SHILLONG: Raising doubts over the proposed Tenancy Bill of the State Government, the Social Organisations of Meghalaya against Land Alienation (SOMALA) has impressed on the need to enforce the anti-infiltration laws and the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act, 1971 on a war footing as the tenancy bill does not encompass all the people living in the State, particularly the migrants.
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma here on Monday, SOMALA convener, W Antony, said that the Meghalaya Regulation of Landlords and Verification of Tenants Bills, 2013 does not cover people living within the premises of the offices of the central government, state government and government undertakings.
“The Tenancy Bill does not also cover people living in camps and open spaces and hence the bill is not an encompassing bill covering all the people found in the State,” Antony said, adding that the bill does not spell out the future course of action after a migrant undergoes verification.
SOMALA also pointed that the bill seeks to verify the indigenous people of the State by asking them to produce residential certificates supported by affidavits.
According to them, at present, the Dorbar Shnong grants residential certificates sans affidavit.
“This procedure may continue in respect of the natives of the State – Khasis, Jaintias and Garos, thereby exempting them from swearing an affidavit as required under the Form A,” Antony said.
The anti-infiltration laws and the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act, 1971 should be enforced in the State on a war footing if the government is really serious about checking influx, the SOMALA convener added.