SHILLONG, Sep 6: Governor Satya Pal Malik has given his assent to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Regulation and Administration) of Land Bill, 2021.
KHADC Chief Executive Member Titosstarwell Chyne told reporters on Tuesday the District Council Affairs department has sent the government gazette notification to the Department of Printing and Stationery for printing.
He described the bill’s passage as historic. It got through after 70 years since the council came into existence. He said many Executive Committees (ECs) of the council had attempted to come up with the land bill but it never materialised.
“I am happy the present EC has managed to ensure the land bill becomes an Act after it was passed by the council in 2021,” Chyne said.
He said the council will start framing the rules to implement the Act once it is notified in the official gazette.
This legislation will empower Syiem, clan, Sordar and Rangbah Shnong to issue land documents which will be recognised by any agencies or banking institutions, Chyne said.
“This will ease the problem being faced by people since the land records issued by the council are not recognised by the banking institutions,” he said, adding “The banking institutions recognize only the land registration documents issued by the office of the Deputy Commissioner for availing of loan.”
Quoting a provision, he said the land titled right certificate or land document, to be issued under the provision of this Act and rules framed thereafter, will be recognised and considered as a valid legal land titled document or instrument to prove ownership and absolute possession of land by any authorities, including banks and other such institutions.
Chyne also said the land documents, to be issued by the various traditional heads and clan, will have to be submitted to the council for the maintenance of records.
“These land documents will be endorsed and approved by the council,” he said.
He said the council created a land bank. The main objective of creating it was to allocate land to the indigenous tribals who do not own any land within the council’s jurisdiction, he added.
“We will put a ceiling to regulate the allotment of land to any family or individual by the Hima or Raid. This measure is important to ensure that no one is allowed to acquire land beyond what is required,” he explained.
The council had passed the land bill with modifications as recommended by the select committee.
