Urgent Call for Centre’s Action: CoMSO Demands Stronger ILP Implementation and Resident Safety Bill in Meghalaya

The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO), representing the state’s indigenous communities, has reached out to Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, urging immediate attention to four pressing concerns impacting tribal rights and welfare. In a letter dated April 2, 2025, CoMSO outlined grievances affecting the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes, who together make up over 86% of Meghalaya’s population as per the 2011 Census.

CoMSO emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the rights, identity, cultural heritage, and socio-economic interests of these tribes, highlighting their vulnerability to the pressures of unchecked migration, particularly given Meghalaya’s borders with Bangladesh and Assam. The organization referenced the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873 and a constitutional validation from the Guwahati High Court, reinforcing its stance that the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is essential for preserving the demographic and cultural integrity of Meghalaya.

Despite a unanimous resolution passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in December 2019 requesting ILP implementation, CoMSO notes the lack of action from the Centre, especially in light of similar measures introduced in Manipur. To further protect local interests, CoMSO proposed the formation of a joint implementation committee and a modern digital permit system to regulate tourism and transit.

In its letter, CoMSO also seeks Oram’s intervention to secure the Governor’s assent for the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security (Amendment) Bill, 2020. The bill is designed to create a registration system for non-residents staying beyond 48 hours in Meghalaya, which CoMSO argues is crucial for monitoring non-resident entries and preventing illegal immigration, thus preserving the state’s demographic balance. CoMSO voiced concerns regarding the delay in the Governor’s assent, calling for immediate intervention to facilitate its enactment with adequate technical and financial backing.

A pressing issue raised by CoMSO is the enforcement of a 44% reservation policy for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Group C and D positions within Central Government jobs in Meghalaya. The organization expressed alarm at the ongoing failure of various central institutions to comply, which often default to the national 7.5% reservation norm. This non-compliance has contributed to underrepresentation of tribal communities and economic disenfranchisement of tribal youth. CoMSO is advocating for a reaffirmation of the reservation policy, the establishment of a central monitoring committee, and targeted recruitment drives to fill reserved positions.

Additionally, CoMSO is calling for a comprehensive review of the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, arguing that its colonial-era classifications do not adequately reflect the distinct identities of Meghalaya’s various sub-tribes and border communities. The broad categorization into Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo disregards the unique cultural nuances of sub-tribes such as Lyngngam, Bhoi, War, Maram, and Nongtrai. To address these concerns, CoMSO advocates for a joint anthropological study, along with extensive community consultation, leading to the establishment of an expert panel to recommend necessary amendments.

Through this memorandum, CoMSO seeks to amplify the voices of Meghalaya’s indigenous communities and urges the central government to act swiftly on these vital matters. The outcome could significantly influence tribal rights, cultural preservation, and the socio-economic fabric of Meghalaya. “We urge your esteemed office to consider our demands with the utmost seriousness and provide the necessary interventions to address these longstanding issues affecting the indigenous tribal communities of Meghalaya,” CoMSO stated.

Original Source: https://nenews.in/meghalaya/meghalaya-comso-seeks-centres-intervention-on-ilp-implementation-resident-safety-bill/24613/
Category : Meghalaya,Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO),Union Minister Jual Oram
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Publish Date: 2025-05-02 18:01:00