‘Land Transfer Act continues to govern land allocation for industrial development’
Shillong, Dec 14: The Meghalaya government has made it clear that investors are not permitted to purchase land directly in the state and that Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971 will continue to govern allocation of land for industrial development.
Refuting media reports that investors are being allowed to purchase land directly in the state, the state government termed the claims as “incorrect and not based on facts”.
Instead, the recent amendment to Meghalaya State Investment Promotion & Facilitation (MSIPF) Act 2024 empowers the Invest Meghalaya Authority (IMA) to establish land banks specifically for industrial development, stated a press release issued by Joint Secretary of Planning, Investment Promotion, and Sustainable Development Department.
“Similar initiatives are being undertaken by Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Meghalaya Transport Development Corporation (MTDC), and New Shillong Township Development Agency (NSTDA),” it stated.
The MSIPF Act, introduced to enhance “Ease of Doing Business” in the state, in order to attract investment, drive economic growth, and generate employment for local youth.
As part of this initiative, the IMA was established as a single nodal agency for investment promotion and facilitation, following models adopted by other North-Eastern states in line with recommendations from the Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (MDoNER), the official said.
Clarifying its position on land acquisition, the government categorically stated that investors are not permitted to purchase land directly.
“The allocation of land for industrial development will continue to be governed by the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971, ensuring transparency and adherence to existing legal provisions,” it stated.
The government also highlighted its commitment to local employment through the Meghalaya Industrial & Investment Promotion Policy (MIIPP), 2024.
Under this policy, industrial units are required to ensure that at least 90% of non-managerial roles and 50% of managerial roles are filled by local residents.
This provision aims to ensure that the benefits of industrial development are shared with the people of Meghalaya, it said.
