From Our Correspondent
JOWAI, April 21: The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC), Western Zone, has made a fervent appeal to the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), Thombor Shiwat, to urgently address the growing issue of banking institutions allegedly refusing to recognise land documents issued by the Council.
In a letter submitted to the CEM, the JNC, under the leadership of president Hamehi Bamon, aired serious concern over the challenges faced by landowners and settlers whose documents—such as Land Holding Certificates (LHC), Patta, Buniaj lists, No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and Non-Encumbrance Certificates—are not being acknowledged by banks.
The JNC alleged that these documents, issued by the JHADC under the authority granted by the Sixth Schedule, are essential proof of land ownership in the district. However, the increasing reluctance of financial institutions to accept them is not only undermining the Council’s constitutional role but also severely impacting people’s access to credit and land security, the JNC rued.
According to the JNC, the situation has led to a financial burden for landowners, who are often forced to re-register their land with the Registrar/Registering Officer, despite already possessing legitimate documentation from the JHADC.
Many LHC holders are now in a vulnerable position, with no other recognised proof of ownership.
In this regard, the JNC has urged the CEM to take decisive steps, including directing banks to recognise JHADC-issued documents and exploring the issuance of a separate certificate to ensure easier acceptance.
The JNC has also called for punitive measures against any institution that continues to reject these documents, arguing that such actions delegitimise the authority of the JHADC. Meanwhile, the CEM, in response, has assured the JNC that the matter would be accorded top priority, with the intention of safeguarding the rights of the people and reinforcing the authority of the JHADC.