Shillong, Jul 29: The Meghalaya government on Wednesday said the full implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) hinges on the approval of amendments pending with the Centre, even as it clarified that plans for a full-fledged facilitation centre at Umling have not been shelved.
Responding to questions on the government’s decision to develop a food court at the Umling entry point, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Prestone Tynsong said the facility was conceived to cater to travellers while verification procedures are carried out.
He said the tourism department’s initiative would provide visitors with amenities such as food, rest areas and basic conveniences, including washrooms, making the waiting period more comfortable.
“The idea of establishing a full-fledged facilitation centre has not been abandoned. That plan remains very much in place,” Tynsong said.
The minister explained that the delay in operationalising the proposed entry-point infrastructure is linked to the pending amendment of the MRSSA.
According to Tynsong, the amendment passed by the Meghalaya Assembly was forwarded to the Governor, who in turn referred it to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for examination. The proposal was later returned with observations, following which the state government has continued discussions with the Centre.
“We are hopeful that the amendment process will be completed soon. Once that happens, the facilitation centre at Umling will be further strengthened with all the required infrastructure,” he said.
District task forces constituted under the MRSSA are already functioning across Meghalaya, with Deputy Commissioners heading the committees. In East Khasi Hills the district task force has been operational for the past several years and continues to work in coordination with police, traditional heads and other stakeholders in implementing the provisions of the act.
On concerns raised by organisations over the implementation of the legislation, Tynsong said the government remained open to dialogue.
He noted that Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had already held discussions with the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) to clarify issues relating to the Act. However, he said the government was willing to hold further consultations if required.
“The door is always open. If there are still doubts, we are ready to sit down with stakeholders at any time,” he said.
