Shillong, Jan 11: Chief minister Conrad K Sangma has strongly denied any government move to amend the Land Transfer Act and bypass the autonomous district councils (ADCs) while creating land banks to facilitate private investment.
Refuting allegations and apprehensions against Investment Meghalaya Agency (IMA), Sangma said, “There is no amendment to the Land Transfer Act. There is no question of bypassing the district councils (or traditional heads/rangbah shnongs). There is no question of private sectors coming in and buying land directly. None of these procedures have been amended, nothing has been done and nothing will be done.”
Referring to the cabinet decision on the matter, the CM said, “From day one, the only amendment we made was we are allowing IMA to also buy land and create a land pool like MIDC and MTDC have because this is the agency that is going to promote the investments.”
“If there are further concerns by anybody or by any agency or any district council or any organization, we will be happy to look into it.”
Explaining the role of the IMA, Sangma said, “IMA is another authority of the government of Meghalaya. It is also a body where individuals will apply for permissions now to start their companies and also to get necessary subsidies that the state and Centre are providing,” he said.
New districts
Chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday said the government is examining the proposal for creation of new districts in the state.
Responding to a query on the demand for upgrading Sohra into a new district, Sangma said the government has been receiving a lot of such demands from different areas including Sohra and Dadenggre.
Asked if the government would consider creation of new districts before 2028, the CM replied saying. “It is too early for me to say right now.”
