Meghalaya Guv yet to receive Residents Act ordinance; CM hopes for early implementation

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SHILLONG | Nov 13, 2019:

The Meghalaya Governor, Tathagata Roy today said that he is yet to receive the ordinance of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016.

"The Governor Secretariat office till 11 am today is yet to receive any papers from the Government," Roy said while speaking to reporters here today.

His statement came a day after Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong informed that the ordinance was sent to the governor for the approval of the governor.

When asked to comment on the ordinance approved by the Cabinet which aimed to put restriction on the entry of people from outside, Governor said that he will not be able to comment on this since the he is yet receive any papers.

"Until I have seen the ordinance and it's draft I, can say nothing," Roy added.

Meanwhile, chief minister, Conrad K Sangma today said that the technology through which the registration will take place is being prepared; it will take some time to be at the ground level but it's not like it's going to take months and months. "Very soon, we will be able to implement it; our technology partners are working on it. We hope to get the results at the earliest," Conrad said.

The chief minister hoped that the ordinance will be implemented soon while adding that the ordinance will be regularized in the next session of the state Assembly.

Earlier, Tynsong had said that the ordinance will immediately come into effect once the Governor gives his assent.

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It may be mentioned that the Cabinet on November 01 last had approved the amendments of the MRRSA, 2016 by way of an ordinance to make it mandatory for visitors who visit the State to register with the State Government.

Deputy Chief Minister had allayed the fears of the genuine non-tribal population residing in Meghalaya arising out of the amendment to the existing Act.

Stating that the amendment to the MRSSA 2016 is not applicable to the genuine non-tribal and the tribal residents of the state, Tynsong said that he has met, discussed and taken feedback from many senior non-tribal citizens of the state who also are very concerned about the unregulated influx.

Meanwhile, Tynsong said that they have properly thought about this before deciding to move ahead with the amendment of the existing Act.

He said that in this amendment the state government has simplified things as much as possible.

"We will ensure that there is no harassment to the people who are visiting the State. It is only a registration process," Deputy Chief Minister said.

According to him, there is a wrong perception that the Government has approved the amendment which is just like the ILP.