By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 25: At a time when government jobs are scarce and most states are focusing on private investment to create avenues for employment, unemployment continues to be a major problem in Meghalaya.
Private investment could have solved the problem to some extent but it is negligible in the state due to various hurdles.
Private companies are not too keen on foraying into Meghalaya due to its peculiar land tenure system. The system of obtaining multiple clearances to do business in the state is the biggest hurdle.
Speaking about it, Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem said a call in this regard has to be taken at the highest level as investment in the mainland and Meghalaya are two different matters due to land holding system.
“Around 90-95 per cent of land outside the state are revenue land. In Meghalaya, 98 per cent of the land are under scheduled areas,” he said, adding that investors do not want to come to Meghalaya as the system here is quite long to get the clearances.
For any private investment in Meghalaya, the first thing required is to get approval from the government. Subsequently, trading and labour licenses are to be obtained which are issued by the autonomous district councils. It is often reported that local pressure groups also create hurdles for the private companies which make them decide against investing in the state.
Two noteworthy private investments visible in Shillong are Taj Vivanta and Marriott Hotel. Then, food ordering and delivery platform Swiggy, bike taxi app Rapido and some IT companies have explored the state. These companies have created some employment opportunities.
Asking the government to create special economic zones in the state so that private companies can build their infrastructure here, Syiem underlined the need to welcome private investment stating that it will create employment opportunities for the local youths.
Meanwhile, he advised those preparing for competitive exams not to be complacent.
“It is survival of the fittest,” he said, adding that district-level recruitment, taken care of District Selection Committee, should only be for the youths of the particular districts.