TUR alleges lack of transparency in Meghalaya Investment Authority

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 12, 2025

Thma U Rangli-Juki (TUR) has accused the Meghalaya Investment Promotion Authority (MIPA) of functioning without transparency and public oversight. Citing documents obtained through an RTI application reveal that the government pushed the Meghalaya Investment Promotion & Facilitation Act, 2024, without a consultative process or proper legislative discussion.

TUR leader Angela Rangad stated, “The government is bulldozing through a bill that will unilaterally decide what gets invested in the state and who gets to invest, without appropriate oversight.” She also alleged that MIPA delayed and attempted to deny information, only releasing documents after a second appeal at the State Information Commission.

In December 2024, after months of delay, TUR was granted access to inspect MIPA’s files. The organization found that even locating the authority’s office was a challenge. “We were first met by clueless consultants in a room at the main secretariat who said they report to K. Hynniewta of the Planning Department,” Rangad said. TUR has now uploaded all RTI documents to hokmeghalaya.in for public access.

The TUR further claimed that MIPA is making investment decisions without transparency, which could lead to land alienation. “Eighty percent of our tribal population is landless. This Act will only exacerbate inequality, dispossess people, and push them further into poverty and insecurity,” Rangad warned.

TUR also accused MIPA of planning controversial land repurposing projects in Shillong. According to documents accessed by the TUR, proposals include widening Bivar Road by cutting into Wards Lake and taking over the English Service Church near the old Legislative Assembly. “This is an anti-people move in a town that lacks open public spaces. There is also zero regard for religious sentiments and heritage conservation,” Rangad said.

Criticizing the government’s push for rapid investments under the goal of a $10 billion economy, Rangad stated, “In the name of ease of doing business, they are ignoring land alienation, workers’ rights, economic disparities, and environmental threats. This is dangerous for Meghalaya’s future.”

TUR condemned what it called an undemocratic and non-transparent approach by the government. It urged authorities to initiate a broad consultation process to involve civil society in shaping the Act’s rules. “We will continue to advocate for an alternative governance model based on legislation, policy-making, and planning for egalitarian economic progress in Meghalaya,” Rangad asserted.