The House met at 10.00 a.m. with the Hon'ble Deputy Speaker in the Chair. The day was devoted for the transaction of Government Business.

QUESTIONS :

Starred Question No. 95 to 102 were disposed of.
Starred Question No.103 to 119could not be taken up for want of time.
Unstarred Question No.11 to 14 were disposed of.

ZERO HOUR NOTICE

Shri P. T. Sawkmie under Rule 49A of the Rules of Procedure and conduct of business in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly move "UCIL yet to take steps for mining : Chief Secretary" which appeared in the Meghalaya Guardian newspaper dated 27th May, 2006. Initiating the discussion, the mover stated that the UCIL has not applied for permission and has violated all forms of procedure of the Government because it has given Rs.5 crores to the Khasi Hills District Council for the making of a road in Wahkaji, West Khasi Hills which shows that there are two Governments.
Replying to this, Shri P. Tynsong, Minister stated that there was no two power center in the Government. The UCIL has submitted an application on the 15.10.01 for permission to mine the uranium to the Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills. He had asked the UCIL to submit the letter of consent from the land owners which has not yet been done so. The decision of the Government will be given only after examining the pro and cons of the matter.

CALLING ATTENTION

Shri P. T. Sawkmie called the attention of the Minister, Home (Police) under Rule 54 (1) of the Rules of Procedure and conduct of business in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly to the news item published in Mawphor dt. 2.6.2006 under the caption "Yn bishar ka Sorkar shuwa ban pynmih result kam pulit"/
Initiating the discussion, the mover stated that the list of successful candidates which appeared in the list were those candidates who had closed proximity with the Police Officers and was of the view that a magisterial enquiry should be set up to go into the whole gamut of the matter. He was also of the view that in order to have transparency, videos at the time of interview should be used to clear any misgivings.
In reply to this, Shri J. D. Rymbai, Chief Minister stated that before giving appointment, the Government should always be consulted to ensure that the recruitment policy is strictly adhered to. He was also of the view that in order to make recruitment more transparent and fair, changes will be made accordingly.

RESOLUTION No. 1

Shri Manas Choudhuri moved that whereas, the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971 ........................................... which are already owned by a non-tribal, between one non-tribal and another and thereby meet ends of justice"
The mover wanted to know from the Government about the fate of the Bill which was returned back by the President of India for clarifications. He also wanted the Government to amend the Land Transfer Act to enable the genuine non-tribals to buy and sell lands which are already alienated so as to be fair to all so that influx could be permanently sealed.
Shri A. L. Hek supported the Resolution. He was in favour that permanent non-tribals should be allowed to buy and sell land.
Dr. D. D. Lapang opposed the Resolution. However, he was of the view that a permanent solution should be found out by the Government to remove uncertainty the in minds of the tribals and the non-tribals alike.
Shri H. S. Lyngdoh opposed the Resolution. He dwelt at length as to why the Sixth Schedule was introduced in the State was to protect the indigenous tribals.
Shri E. K. Sangma did not oppose or support the Resolution. However, he was of the view that the permanent non-tribals should be identified if they are allowed to buy and sell lands.
Shri Boldness Nongum opposed the Resolution. He contended that if the non-tribals are allowed to buy and purchase lands, who will protect the tribals who are still very much lagging behind.
Shri P. T. Sawkmie opposed the Resolution on the ground that the tribal interests should not be compromised. He stated that genuine non-tribals should be identified in the whole State and, for those land owners, the veracity of the documents should also be checked meticulously.
Shri Zenith Sangma opposed the Resolution in view of the fact that the tribals could easily be influenced because they are lagging very much behind.
Shri P. M. Syiem opposed the Resolution. In fact, he was of the view that instead of amending the Land Transfer Act, it should be made more stringent because the non-tribals are buying lands, through the Power of Attorney and flat system.
Dr. Donkupar Roy, Dy. Chief Minister reminded the House as to why the forefathers fought for a separate state was to protect tribal interests from being swamped by major communities from outside the State. Moreover, to identify who is a permanent and non-permanent non-tribal resident will have a wider ramifications. However, he was optimistic that a debate of intellectuals could take place in the future. Lastly, he was of the opinion that amending the Land Transfer Act at this stage was not acceptable and practicable.
Shri Manas Choudhury sought a clarification from the Minister as to what happened to the Bill which was returned back by the President of India in 1981.
Dr. Donkupar Roy, Dy. Chief Minister informed that the President's clarifications sought for had been examined by the Government and decided that the matter need not be taken up again.
Shri Manas Choudhury , the mover of the Resolution withdrew with the sense of the House.

RESOLUTION NO 2

Shri Manas Choudhury moved that whereas the Delimitation Commission of India.......................................... till after the General Elections due in 2008.
Shri Manas Choudhury highlighted the need to adopt this Resolution because the idea of delimitating the constituencies should be shelved till 2008 after the general election.
Shri Zenith Sangma supported the Resolution that the delimitating of constituencies should be kept in abeyance.

Shri H. S. Lyngdoh also participated.

ADJOURNMENT

The House rose at 2.00 p.m. and stood adjourned till 10.00 am on Tuesday, the 4th July, 2006.