From Our Reporter
SOHRA, Jan 10: The state government on Friday categorically denied any amendment to the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act, calling the claims “completely incorrect and absolutely baseless”.
Addressing concerns over the role of the Meghalaya Investment Agency (IMA), Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma reiterated there is no question of bypassing the district councils or allowing private investors to purchase land directly in the state.
“The permissions required from the district councils and local bodies remain mandatory, as they were from the beginning,” he said.
Sangma clarified that the IMA, akin to government entities like the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) or the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), is a state authority established to streamline investment processes across sectors such as health, education, power, and tourism.
“The IMA is a one-stop portal where investors can apply for permissions and subsidies provided by the Centre and the state. This platform coordinates with the relevant departments and agencies to process applications. However, all necessary approvals from the local authorities and the district councils must still be obtained,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that like the MIDC and MTDC, the IMA has been empowered to create a land bank for leasing to potential investors. “The IMA is allowed to buy land and create a land pool, just like the other agencies,” he asserted.
He said the IMA’s role is simply to provide a consolidated platform for investors. “This is not about bypassing any established procedures. The process remains exactly as it was. The IMA’s land bank will merely facilitate investments through leasing, ensuring transparency and efficiency,” he said.
Explaining the broader purpose of the IMA, Sangma noted that the agency simplifies the complexities of obtaining permissions for different types of investments.
He termed reports about claims of amendments to the Land Transfer Act or of bypassing the district councils as completely unfounded. “Nothing has been changed, and nothing will be changed,” he added.
Invited everyone: CM on university inauguration
Addressing criticisms surrounding the inclusion of Christian prayers during the inaugural ceremony of the state university, as earlier stated by Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma, the chief minister defended the programme, stating it adhered to standard government practices.
“This is a government initiative, and we’ve invited everyone, church leaders, religious leaders, societal organisations, cabinet ministers, and officials. Like in many other programmes, we will begin with a prayer, and there is nothing wrong with that,” he said.
Describing the inauguration of Captain Williamson Sangma State University as a “landmark moment” for the state, Sangma highlighted its potential to enhance research, education, and academic opportunities.
Responding to concerns over the university, Sangma clarified that colleges in Meghalaya would not be under any obligation to be affiliated with the new state university.
He said institutions would be free to choose their affiliations, whether with NEHU, USTM, or the newly established state university.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the implications for colleges that prefer to remain affiliated with NEHU, particularly in light of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET).
Meghalaya was previously exempted from CUET due to the absence of a state university but the launch of Captain Williamson Sangma State University has brought that exemption to an end.
“Students applying to NEHU-affiliated colleges for higher studies will now need to clear CUET,” Sangma explained, adding, “Earlier, we were exempt because we didn’t have a state university, but that exemption no longer applies.”