Meghalaya Government forms DTFs to enforce MRSSA 2016

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 1, 2024

In a significant move to enhance security and regulate tenancy in the state, the Meghalaya government has announced the formation of District Task Forces (DTFs) under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioners. This initiative is aimed at implementing the provisions of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016.

The DTFs, constituted with the Deputy Commissioner serving as Chairperson and the Additional Deputy Commissioner or Assistant Commissioner as Secretary, will include key members such as the Superintendent of Police, Inspector of Supply, Inspector of Labour, and representatives from the Anti-Infiltration Directorate and Autonomous District Council. Additionally, two non-official members from local authorities will be included in each Task Force.

The MRSSA, enacted in 2016, seeks to ensure enhanced security vetting of tenants and prevent anti-social elements from settling in the state, thereby maintaining public order and safety. The Act aims to verify and regulate tenants residing in rented accommodations, establish District Task Forces, and facilitate the effective enforcement of various laws related to safety and security.

It may be mentioned that on October 18, the State Cabinet approved a scheme that allocates Rs 2 lakh in financial assistance to each District Task Force to aid in the implementation of the MRSSA. Minister in-charge of Law, Ampareen Lyngdoh, emphasized the importance of timely financial support for the Deputy Commissioners to commence work and monitor the MRSSA effectively. “We will provide a fund of a minimum of Rs 2 lakh per district. Given the larger number of local authorities involved, including dorbars, a bigger budget may be necessary for monitoring visitors,” she stated.

Cyril Diengdoh, Secretary in-charge of Law and Parliamentary Affairs, underscored the DTFs’ responsibility for tenant verification as mandated by the MRSSA. “Funding will be necessary for laptops, computers, and internet facilities. Non-official members of the DTF will require sitting fees, travel allowances, and other necessities. Many headmen have requested laptops and computers to maintain a database of landlords and tenants in their localities,” he noted.

Several localities in Shillong have begun pilot projects to implement the MRSSA by collecting details of landlords and tenants within their jurisdictions, marking the initial steps toward enhancing security and regulation in the region.