Meghalaya Government Drops Land Acquisition Clause in Investment Bill

SHILLONG: The government of Meghalaya has overturned its policy of allowing land purchases by the Meghalaya Investment Promotion Authority (MIPA) amid strong public pressure and opposition leader criticism.

The move represents a major policy turnaround, answering the concerns of civil society groups and political opponents over possible misuse of land.

On Thursday, the State Assembly passed the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion and Facilitation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it unanimously passed an amendment that deleted a crucial provision regarding land bank establishment from the bill. The action followed weeks of public outcry against the inclusion of the powers of land acquisition in the bill.

Moving the amendment, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma recognized the people's apprehensions, citing that even after earlier amendments to Section 34 of the Act, fears still persisted. The government, therefore, resolved to further amend the bill to ensure transparency and public trust.

"We are here to hear out the people's grievances without sacrificing the overall goal of investment," Sangma said. He explained that the amendment directly deletes Subsection 3 of Section 4, Clause 1, which used to state the "creation of land banks by direct acquisition of land or other methods."

Sangma made it clear that this amendment clearly conveys the message that MIPA will not be involved in land buying, land bank development, or any system that would help in the transfer or leasing of lands. Rather, the agency will only deal with investment facilitation, making sure to abide by the prevailing laws while providing a business-friendly atmosphere in the state.

He also ensured that the government would have lengthy discussions with stakeholders when developing regulations under the Act.

"As the name indicates, the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act is only to promote and facilitate investment. MIPA is not here to purchase or forcefully acquire land. There is no question of acquiring land for any company or organization, which has been a concern in large," he repeated.

The government of the state has also assured that it would consult different organizations and representatives from the community when preparing the MIPFA 2024 rules to ensure public issues are effectively addressed in the process of implementation.

ALSO READ:

ALSO WATCH: