Traditional bodies stripped of consultative role in land matters
SHILLONG, June 23: In a move that risks a showdown with traditional Khasi institutions, the KHADC has stripped the Dorbar Shnong and Himas of their mandatory consultative role in land ceiling matters, choosing “effective implementation” over the age-old tradition of grassroots consensus.
The decision came as the Council passed the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Regulation and Administration of Land) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, during its recently concluded Summer Session. The Bill deletes Section 16 of the principal Act, a provision that had made it compulsory for the Executive Committee (EC) to consult the concerned Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid, and Dorbar Hima before implementing land ceiling measures.
Leader of Opposition Titosstarwell Chyne raised strong objections, arguing that the amendment weakens the very foundation of traditional land governance. He noted that the original Land Act was intended to codify and strengthen the rights of local authorities—including the Syiems, Sordars, and clans—through formal registration.
“Consultation should not be removed,” Chyne said. “The EC has already issued land ceiling notifications even before this amendment received approval from competent authorities. It is now up to the traditional institutions to oppose this move.”
Defending the amendment, Executive Member in-charge of Land Powell Sohkhlet claimed the shift was necessary to prevent the continued disappearance of communal “Raid” lands. Sohkhlet argued that years of meetings and consultations with villages had failed to produce concrete outcomes, leading to a deadlock while land holdings continued to shrink. He maintained that the removal of Section 16 is essential to enforce land ceiling laws effectively.
Beyond the power struggle over consultation, the Bill introduces a significant digital overhaul of land administration. This includes the formal recognition of digital land records, QR code authentication, and computerised GIS mapping.
While the Opposition leader stated he does not oppose the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), he questioned why these technical measures were being enshrined in legislation rather than handled as internal policy decisions.
The Council also proposed creating a Land Recording Officer post. The recruit will be required to have expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Geomatics to oversee the implementation of the new digital framework.
