HYC calls for public consultation on amendment to Meghalaya Investment Promotion Act

Shillong, Dec 16: The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) on Monday called upon the state government to come clear on the recent amendment made to the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion Facilitation Act, 2024 whereby the Investment Meghalaya Agency (IMA) have been authorized to buy and allot Land to investors.

“We demand that the proposed Amendment be put in public domain for soliciting views, opinions and suggestions from the general public of the State and other stakeholders before such an Amendment is passed and made into a Law by the State Assembly,” HYC president Roykupar Synrem said in a statement.

“We are also of the opinion that the proposed Amendment will create a situation where the IMA, through the Land Mafias in the State will gain control and monopolized the land sale in the State of Meghalaya. In the name of IMA and development, huge plot of lands will be acquired by these Land Mafias from the owners and then sell them at exorbitant prices to the Government,” he added.

Synrem further alleged that the proposed Amendment also runs the risks of alienation of tribal lands in the State to non-tribals or corporate houses and this will surely undermine the tribal identity and autonomy, which we enjoy at present due to various laws and legislations in force in the State.

“Therefore, we urge upon the Government of Meghalaya to keep on hold any decision to insert the above proposed Amendment into the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion Facilitation Act, 2024 without following due process of soliciting views, opinions and suggestions from the general public of the State,” he said.

He highlighted that, as per reports, about 70% of the population of the State is landless. In view of this, he suggested that the government should also create land banks for these landless people.

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