Meghalaya Visitors To Register With State Government For Safety
A Correspondent
SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Government on Friday approved the draft amendment to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016. According to the amendment, any person coming to the State will have to register with the State government for safety and security.
Informing this to mediapersons, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said, “This amendment to the existing Act in the form of an Ordinance will come into force immediately. The Ordinance will be approved in the next session of the State Assembly.”
According to Tynsong, the MRRSA passed in 2016 was about tenants.
“But now we made it applicable not only to the tenants, but also to everyone who is interested to visit our State,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
He also said that the permanent residents of the State need not worry about the MRSSA.
“It is only for those who come to the State as tourists, labourers, education and business purposes,” Tynsong said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said that if any person wilfully fails to furnish information as per the Act, such a person will be liable to be punished under Section 176 or 177 of the Indian Penal Code.
He also said that Central Government employees are exempted from the Act.
Tynsong said that task forces in various districts would be more proactive, and they would be strengthened to ensure they function well, and ensure no delays or inconveniences are caused to the people.
Section 4 (a) states that, any person who is not a resident of Meghalaya and intends to stay for more than 24 hours in the State of Meghalaya should furnish information in the manner prescribed under the rules.
Then the proviso states the above provisions should not apply to person belonging to the Central Government employees, State Government or local authorities.
Tynsong also said the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016 (MRSSA) is not related to the Inner Line Permit (ILP), but the amendment was for giving more teeth to the existing Act.