Meghalaya Assembly Passes MSIPF (Amendment) Bill

Shillong, March 13: The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly today unanimously passed the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion & Facilitation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 after the state government’s decision to delete the words, “creation of land-banks through direct purchase of land or other means”. 

The Bill tabled by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was passed with the support of members from both ruling and opposition, who welcomed and appreciated the government’s willingness to listen to the voice of the people, during the concluding day of the 10-day budget session of the Assembly. 

This also came in the wake of strong opposition from all quarters, including NGOs. The KSU had even taken out a protest march to the Assembly demanding the government to immediately revoke the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion & Facilitation (MSIPF) Act, 2024. 

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While moving the government amendment to the Bill, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “I am happy to inform that we have moved this amendment where the words which says “creation of land banks through direct purchase” is being removed and deleted to give a clear message that Meghalaya Investment Promotion Authority (MIPA) does not come with the objective of creation for land banks and give land (to investors). It will not engage in creating of land banks or a system to transfer or lease out of land but it will focus on facilitating to bring investment to create platforms which are already there, which are comfortable – all these provisions will be followed as per rule and laws so that we continue to create right environment and ecosystem.”

This shows that this is a government that never bulldozes. This government will listen to the will and concern of the people,” he added.

Sangma also assured the House that the government will invite all stakeholders, including political parties and different organizations, to discuss the different rules created to address the different aspects and concerns they have.

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The Chief Minister also informed that the amendments proposed by the government have mentioned that the MSIPF shall not be in derogation of the land transfer Act, all procedures, specific rules, and rules applicable in respect of ADCs will be followed, and employment generation for the people and youngsters of the state. 

“These three specific amendments are brought in to give specific comfort to the citizens of the state that all necessary rules and regulations as per the land transfer act and the rules of the ADCs will be followed,” he said.

Sangma further informed that he had met MLAs and different stakeholders, who have expressed their concerns over the issue of land banks.

“There were large numbers of MLAs from NPP, who had come and met me (including MLAs from Mawkynrew, Jowai and from Garo Hills) and also MLAs from UDP expressing their concerns on the issue of land bank created by MIPA. Just a couple of days back, members of the KSU also met me and we had detailed discussions, and I explained to them the different amendments being brought in to address the concerns of the stakeholders. Despite clarifying, I still sense there was discomfort when it comes to the land bank issue,” he said.

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The chief minister also mentioned that it does take time for people to get a clearer picture on the government’s intent as it requires a lot of study and in-depth research and said, “But till then it is only appropriate for us as a government to work closely with the people and the society.”

“I have mentioned in this House many times that this government believes in working for the welfare of our people and whatever decision we take, we will take one step forward in the larger interest of the people and we will not hesitate to take one step back if it is required,” he added.

Further, the chief minister reiterated that the objective of the MSIPF is to facilitate investment in the state. 

“Therefore, the MIPA is not here to buy land nor to forcefully transfer land to anybody. There is no question of transferring any land to any company – which has been the apprehension (of many). To remove those apprehensions, we are bringing these amendments to give confidence to our people as we want to let them know that we are here to listen to their concerns and address their concerns,” he stated.

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(Newmai News Network)