Editor,
In the news item captioned ‘UDP wants traditional bodies to check influx’ (ST July 29, 2024) its leader Jemino Mawthoh suggested that there should be a local solution to local problems. He further cited the example of Nongrim Hills Dorbar that he is advising as an example wherein it maintains a register of citizens etc. We all know that Nongrim Hills is a locality which is out of Shillong Municipality and the dorbar shnong there manages collection of garbage that prompts it to collect monthly fees from its residents for the upkeep and maintenance of the locality. In doing so, house owners are required to produce documents of the tenant as well as for themselves and a monthly card is issued in which particulars of payments made is recorded. No doubt this system holds good for localities that fall under the scheduled districts since that is the only mechanism available for solid waste management and for keeping records of residents.
However, in localities that are under Shillong Municipal Board, household taxes are collected by the Board since garbage collection is managed by it. House owners collect rent from tenants and some even pay extra when owners demand payment for municipal taxes. In localities like Laitumkhrah the dorbars collect monthly fees separately for garbage collection and when tenants are to register themselves separate fees are charged which ranges from Rs 50 onwards. Apart from registration fees house owners and tenants pay monthly fees separately for reasons unknown. This not only burdens the tenants but also causes harassment to landowners as taxes are being levied from every side. This is an issue that authorities need to take cognizance of and address as far as implementation of applicable rules to tenant and owners’ registrations are concerned.
Another point that needs to be highlighted is what procedure the State Government contemplates to put in place for registration of permanent residents of Meghalaya who seek rental apartments in different parts of the state for education, job, medical or various other purposes. For example if a person from Nongstoin takes a rented accommodation in Laitumkhrah will the same conditions apply to the person as with those who come from other states? As stated earlier there are localities that collect yearly fees even if the place is rented for 8 months. Why is it that a person from Meghalaya has to pay such fees for residing in Meghalaya itself?
UDP’s suggestion holds good only in identifying the cause of the problem of influx but not to correct the anomalies that the state is reeling under when multiple levels of authorities are still in place. It is about time that the state govt take the subject of tenant’s registration seriously and implements the MRSSA in letter and spirit as currently the app and website megrssa.nic.in is yet to be fully functional. Many landlords and tenants who try to register online are experiencing technical issues as they are not receiving OTP to complete the registration process. We urge the Government to seriously address the anomalies rather than blowing its trumpet for scoring media brownies only.
Yours etc.,
Firstly Lyngkhoi,
Shillong-3
Meghalaya’s incomplete projects
Editor,
Apropos of the news items “UDP wants traditional bodies to check influx”, “Exodus: Paul highlights problems of unemployment and unemployability” and NHIDCL alerts govt on land hurdles for key road projects” (ST July 29, 2024) the contents in the first two news items is rational, appropriate and logical which requires immediate attention for implementation. Jemino Mawthoh, General Secretary, UDP has correctly aired his views on the need to involve the Dorbar Shnong by having a mechanism in place so that the Dorbar Shnong monitor the entry of people into the State. This will enable one to know who is in and out of the locality and for what purpose. This information should be shared with the Labour department of the Government and with the District Councils. In this way we can check infiltration. But the Dorbar Shnong too must have a set of rules on their functioning keeping in view the rule of law. Paul Lyngdoh, Minister Tourism and spokesperson of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance rightly emphasised on the need for proper documentation of migrant workers when engaged by the contractors. The President of the Khasi Student Union, Lambokstar Marngar has also rightly emphasised that contractors if they get any job order have to take responsibility while bringing in migrant workers and ensure that they have valid and authentic papers or documents for the job that they have been brought for.
If we compare the infrastructure projects funded liberally by the Government of India in the North Eastern Region under National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Meghalaya seems to have been left behind if we look at the number of projects completed by the Himalayan States under NHIDCL. It is unfortunate that only for a stretch of a 700 metres-long road at Mawshun Bypass the matter remains unresolved for four years. What a pathetic situation. In a competitive federalism only those states who complete the projects within the stipulated timeline can get maximum benefit from the projects/schemes funded by the Government of India. Those like Meghalaya that are slow in implementation and completion will be left behind.
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
Tell “outsiders” to stop coming to Meghalaya
Editor,
Any problem, whether personal, social or political, always has a potential solution, and anyone facing this problem should always try to work towards this solution instead of complaining forever. For instance, the alleged issue of “influx” or “illegal immigration” of fellow Indians to Meghalaya is a problem that has plagued our state for decades with no immediate end in sight. Even though the data and the ground reality say otherwise, general perception of the issue and the activities of certain groups show that most of our populace support legislations like the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and other laws designed to restrict the entry and stay of “outsiders” in Meghalaya. The law makers too hold the same views, evidenced by the fact that they unanimously passed a resolution for implementation of ILP. However, the desired laws have been held up by the Central Government, for reasons best known to them.
In this backdrop, various groups have recently started implementing the ‘yet to be legislated’ laws on their own, harassing and assaulting poor labourers working in the state and unsuspecting tourists visiting from elsewhere. The State Government, being in favour of these laws, are in a quandary as to how they can deal with the groups who are pushing the Government’s own agenda.
Since there is no immediate hope of solving the imbroglio and it is clearly undesirable for any ‘outsider’ to face undue harassment in Meghalaya, the groups orchestrating the checking and the State Government can openly issue a joint appeal urging the residents of other States not to visit Meghalaya as tourists, labourers or for any other reason till the people’s sentiments are respected and the suitable legislations are enacted. I am confident that if this is done, our fellow countrymen, in solidarity with the people of Meghalaya, will refrain from visiting the State. This will be a win-win situation for all: “outsiders” will be spared indignity and harassment, our local groups will not have to patrol for “intruders,”and it may likely bring national attention to the legislation demands.
Yours etc.,
NK Kehar,
Shillong-3