SHILLONG, SEPT 27: Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma said that the state government will place the proposed ‘Regulation of Landlords and Tenants Verification Bill’ to address the issue of illegal immigration and influx before the public consultation scheduled to be held next month.
“We have given timeline to the department concerned to complete the whole process and then notified it for public consultation to be held on October 3,” Sangma told reporters after the cabinet meeting on Friday.
Sangma said the name of the proposed bill will be the ‘Regulation of Landlord & Tenancy Verification Bill.” He, however, said it might change after the public consultative meet.
Sangla said the state government is proposing a legislative measure where it will incorporate within this law the enforcement that will be legally binding on the enforcing agencies because number of laws has been enacted, but enforcement is the issue.
Sangma said, “Legislating is not enough. Enforcement is also required.”.
Elaborating on the bill, Sangma said landlord definition will be much more exhaustive and capable of covering all those people who provide accommodation in their premises. He added, “Even if you own an industry, coal miner…who all are staying will also be regulated. It is much more inclusive. It will regulate even those who facilitate people who come and stay whether illegally or whatever. Illegal immigration and influx is not confined to cities and towns but goes beyond.”
Sangma said the bill will also provide an effective mechanism to do away with the loop hole and local authorities like traditional institutions in the scheduled areas, and in the non-scheduled areas, government will notify who will be the local authorities. He informed the enforcing agency along with local authorities will have a mechanism, mandated through the law to deal with various aspects of the law.
Stating that there are only two instruments by which people can come and stay in the state – one is by purchase of land and another is by staying as tenants or otherwise, Sangma said, “How you regulate the manner of people staying here when they cannot buy their own land is going to be covered by this act.” He it will create an environment to integrate existing laws in tandem with the proposed law.- By Our Reporter
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