By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 17: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday clarified that the state government enacted the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion & Facilitation (MSIPF), Act, 2024 to enhance business ecosystem and foster economic growth and employment opportunities through the establishment of Invest Meghalaya Agency (IMA).
Addressing a gathering during the launch of a research programme of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), he said the IMA will replace the single window agency which was dealt by the Industries Department.
He said although the Industries Department is the nodal agency, yet the process is a bit tedious as the investors will also need to work with the departments concerned, whether it is power, agriculture or tourism, to move through the single window clearance.
“Hence, we realised the need to put things together. We decided to bring all the departments together under a committee, headed by the Chief Minister, which we call the IMA,” Sangma said.
He said the government envisions transforming the state into a green investment destination by achieving holistic green growth, empowering local communities and fostering a sustainable economy.
He said the government will avoid industries, which are not environment-friendly, as much as possible and focus on new technology-based industries which can grow and give employment opportunities in the food processing sector. It is good for the farmers and the world, he added.
Sangma further stated that investments from private sectors are critical for the state to achieve the $10 billion economy dream or create five lakh jobs. He said there is a need to set up large hotels, IT industries and pharmaceutical industries. The CM also said that the government’s concept is to introduce a single portal so private investors can apply. He said permissions will be given on a time-bound manner.
He said the MSIPF Act, 2024 allows the IMA to hold land bank and buy and lease land to private investors in a similar manner like the MIDC or the MTDC. He said private investors will have to obtain necessary permissions from the KHADC.
“There’s no question that they will bypass the KHADC. Every agency has got its power based on the constitutional provisions. Those powers cannot be negated. Therefore, all those procedures will be followed,” Sangma said.
He said the state cabinet has been very careful since it is an issue connected with land which is the most important asset of the local people, society and the state.
Earlier, senior officials had stated that the MSIPF Act, 2024 does not contradict any provisions of the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971.
“Hence, the matter of alienation of tribal land does not arise,” a senior official had stated.