KSU asks all 60 MLAs to reject MSIPFA, 2024

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 11, 2025

The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Tuesday refused to accept the government’s verbal assurance and asked all 60 legislators to reject the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act, 2024, which seeks to create land banks for leasing to private investors, in its present form during the current budget session of the Assembly.

This came after a delegation of the KSU attended a meeting called by the chief minister Conrad K Sangma in presence of deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong and chief secretary DP Wahlang following the union’s protest march to the Assembly.

The government has assured to bring necessary amendments to the MSIPFA, 2024 and draf rules in the next session of the Assembly after holding a consultation with all stakeholders.

“We are not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting (that lasted) for nearly an hour and a half. We told the government your verbal assurance cannot be accepted as we still remain apprehensive and if the Act (is allowed) to remain like this then it should be scrapped immediately,” KSU general secretary Donald V Thabah told reporters after the meeting.

He informed that the KSU’s central executive committee will be meeting very soon to decide on its next course of action on the matter.

KSU takes out protest march to Assembly demanding revoking of MISPF, introduction of railways in Khasi Jaintia region   

Appealing to all 60 legislators to reject the MSIPFA, 2024, Thabah said, “At this juncture all should reject the principal Act of the MSIPFA, 2024. It is important for tribal legislators to speak out on behalf of the people when this Bill is being introduced in the Assembly.”

“We have already sent memorandums to all 60 MLAs so it is up to them (now),” he added.

Thabah said proposed amendments to the MSIPFA are not sufficient enough to safeguard the rights of the indigenous tribal communities of the state.  

“Therefore, we impressed upon the government that this Act should be repealed if it is only investors’ friendly and not people friendly,” he stated.