Meghalaya Opposition Leader Urgently Presses for Immediate Enforcement of Residency Act, Advocating for Fairness and Equality
Mukul Sangma Urges Swift Implementation of Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act
Mukul Sangma, the newly-appointed Leader of the Opposition in Meghalaya, has urged the state government to expedite the implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) of 2016. He stressed the importance of amending a specific section related to facilitation centres, previously contested by the Meghalaya High Court.
In an Assembly session on August 29, Sangma highlighted that the Act had survived judicial scrutiny and underscored the need for its fine-tuning for effective execution. He called for a strong commitment to civil society.
The MRSSA aims to empower local traditional bodies and address illegal immigration concerns but has seen delays in full implementation due to proposed amendments and constitutional procedures.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong responded to Sangma’s resolution, confirming that certain aspects of the Act, such as tenant verification and the formation of District Task Forces, are already being enforced. Tynsong mentioned ongoing dialogues with the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the amended bill.
"We’re actively following up on this matter. The Chief Minister recently discussed it with the Union Home Minister in Delhi," Tynsong remarked.
The state government asserts that the 2020 amendment to the MRSSA is constitutionally valid and does not impede free movement within Meghalaya. However, they await the central government’s response on this claim.
Court orders have delayed the establishment of facilitation centres, but 16 localities have commenced implementing other provisions of the original 2016 Act.
Sangma emphasized that the legislation is vital for addressing the state’s responsibilities, particularly in tackling illegal immigration, and urged for the Act’s complete implementation in its original form.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/meghalaya-opposition-leader-pushes-for-implementation-of-residency-act-1082154-2024-08-30?utm_source=rssfeed
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