Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, met with representatives of the Khasi Students Union (KSU) to discuss concerns surrounding the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion & Facilitation (MSIPF) Act, 2024.
The Act, which was introduced in March 2024 to attract investments and drive economic growth, has faced criticism over fears that it might undermine existing laws protecting indigenous communities.
Responding to the concerns raised, the state government proposed amendments to ensure the Act does not dilute the provisions of The Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971, or bypass the authority of the Autonomous District Councils.
Additionally, the government outlined measures to safeguard local employment opportunities by reserving a significant portion of jobs for indigenous residents.
Chief Minister Sangma stressed that the proposed amendments were designed to address public apprehensions while retaining the Act’s objective of fostering development.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with stakeholders, traditional bodies, and citizens to ensure that the legislation benefits the state without compromising the rights of its people.
He emphasised the government’s intention to attract investments that create job opportunities while protecting the interests of Meghalaya’s indigenous communities.
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Despite these assurances, the KSU expressed dissatisfaction, reiterating its demand for the Act to be scrapped entirely.
KSU General Secretary Donald Thabah criticised the meeting’s outcome, claiming it failed to address the core concerns of the students’ body.
He noted that while the government has pledged to introduce further amendments during the winter session, the KSU would deliberate internally before deciding on its next course of action.
