M’laya methods to check influx best, says Tynsong

SHILLONG, Aug 4: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong believes Meghalaya has the best methods to check influx.
He told media persons on Friday that the state has had different mechanisms since 1972, including giving a headman the authority to check the details of people who are not permanent residents of Meghalaya.
“Buying of land by non-residents is also not possible since Meghalaya has the Land Transfer Act,” he said, terming the multi-pronged policies in the state as the best methods in the Northeast.
Maintaining that these systems have been successful, he said the government wants to strengthen them further. “This is the reason why the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Amended Bill was introduced by the government,” he said.
The Bill is still under the scrutiny of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Tynsong also said that the re-tendering of Package 1 of the Shillong-Dawki Road project is in its final stage and the work order would be issued soon.
As far as packages 2, 4, and 5 are concerned, he said the tendering process is on and it may take some more time.
Admitting that many stretches of the road are damaged and the traffic volume is high, Tynsong said the NHIDCL has been directed to improve the road condition.
On the deplorable condition of many stretches of the Jowai-Ratacherra Road, he agreed they need the immediate attention of the National Highways Authority of India.
The state government held a meeting on Friday to resolve the forest and land issues pertaining to the proposed Dainadubi-Darugre-Williamnagar Road sanctioned under the Bharatmala scheme.
Informing reporters that the NHIDCL has almost completed the tendering process in this matter, Tynsong said directions have been given to resolve all issues and ensure the start of the land acquisition proceedings.