By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 15: Shillong MP Ricky AJ Syngkon has highlighted the misuse of tribal land by outside elements exploiting loopholes in the system as he inaugurated a one-day national seminar on ‘Land, Development and Livelihood in Meghalaya’, organised by the Department of Political Science of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) on Thursday.
Syngkon also drew attention to the more troubling rise in land alienation within tribal communities, stating that the existing land transfer law had failed to prevent this internal erosion of ownership.
Delivering the keynote address, The Shillong Times Editor Patricia Mukhim described land as an emotive subject that has often been used for political gain while fundamental issues remain unaddressed. She called for a cadastral survey to support effective, environmentally conscious policy interventions.
She further questioned how certain companies managed to exploit resources in Jaintia Hills despite the region continuing to suffer from under-development, particularly the lack of quality and affordable hospitals.
In the valedictory function, Prof B. Panda, Honorary Director of the ICSSR–North Eastern Regional Centre, observed that development in Meghalaya has been unsustainable, with the state performing poorly across sectors. He stressed the need to link development to people’s capabilities and quality of life.
Powell Sohkhlet, Executive Member in charge of Land in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, delivered the valedictory address as the chief guest, outlining key features of the KHADC Land Act, 2021 and seeking suggestions for its improvement.
Other speakers included Dr Bodhi Sainkupar Ranee of TISS, Mumbai, and Prof Rekha M. Shangpliang of NEHU.
The seminar was attended by NEHU faculty, college academicians, columnists, social thinkers, research scholars and students. The event was sponsored by the ICSSR–North Eastern Regional Centre and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, to whom the department expressed gratitude.
