Shillong, Aug 21: The Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (MIDC) has categorically rejected the allegations that it was in the process of acquiring 14 acres of land at Umtham, Ri Bhoi, at Rs 450 per square foot, amounting to Rs 21 crore.
“We wish to categorically state that these allegations are completely false and baseless. MIDC has no plans, proposals, or efforts to acquire land at Umtham or anywhere else in Ri Bhoi district at this stage,” the MIDC said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
“We have also received letters from certain groups regarding this issue. We take this opportunity to inform them, and the public at large, that these reports are not true and should not be given credence,” it stated.
MIDC said it is committed to transparent functioning and to advancing the industrial development of Meghalaya in a fair and responsible manner.
The statement was issued following memorandums submitted by the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) and Ri Bhoi Youth Welfare Organization (RBYWO) to the chief minister Conrad K Sangma on August 18.
The two organizations have demanded the state government to halt the proposed land acquisition by the Meghalaya Industrial Development and Finance Corporation (MID&FC) or the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) at Umtham village in Ri Bhoi District.
The HNYF and RBYWO in their respective memorandums have alleged that the proposed acquisition of 14 acres of land at a cost of ₹21 crores, which translates to approximately ₹450 per square foot, is excessive.