Tenancy bill half-baked

SHILLONG, OCT 28: The Social Organization of Meghalaya Against Land Alienation (SOMALA) said the proposed “Meghalaya Regulation of Landlords and Verification of Tenants Bill 2013” has failed to specify the action to be taken against illegal migrants after the verification is completed. At the same time, the organization has also suggested to the state government to enforce the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act 1971 on a war footing if it is serious enough to tackle the problem of influx.

“The Tenancy Bill do not spell out what it will do with the migrants after verification as such the anti-infiltration laws and the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act 1971 are expected to be enforced on a war footing if the government is really serious about checking of influx,” SOMALA convenor W Anthony said in a memorandum submitted to chief minister Mukul Sangma on Monday.

Highlighting more on its findings, the SOMALA stated that it is seen that the Clause 3 of the Bill has exempt people living within the premises of the central government, state government and government undertaking from the operation of the Tenancy Bill.

“The Tenancy Bill do not also cover the people living in camps and open spaces and hence the bill is not at all encompassing bill covering all the people found in Meghalaya particularly migrants,” Anthony stated.  He said, “It is found that the Tenants Bill seek to verify the indigenous people of Meghalaya –  Khasi, Jaintia and Garo by asking them to produce certificates such as residential certificate supported by affidavit.”

According to the organization, at present the  Dorbar Shnong grant residential certificates sans affidavit. “This procedure may continue in respect of the natives of the state – the Khasi, Jaintia and Garos, thereby exempting the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo from swearing an affidavit as required under the Form A,” Anthony concluded.- By Our Reporter

 

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