The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) ‘not satisfied’ with the outcome of the meeting with the state government as the organisation has outrightly rejected the government’s verbal assurances on the controversial State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act, warning that the legislation poses a direct threat to indigenous land rights and public interests. Following a high-level meeting with the Chief Minister, two Deputy Chief Ministers, and the Chief Secretary, the union emerged unconvinced, asserting that mere promises of future amendments were inadequate and that the act, in its current form, must be scrapped without delay.
Dissatisfied with the outcome of the meeting, KSU General Secretary Donald V. Thabah stated, “We are not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting. We were sitting with the Chief Minister, two deputy CMs, and Chief Secretary for nearly an hour and a half. However, it became a standoff because we have been objecting to many sections of the act. Whereas the Chief Minister and the government explained to us the reasons behind the acts and the clauses and told us that it will not give absolute power to the government, it will be people-friendly, but we told them that it is written like this—how can you say so? At this juncture, the act can give confidence to the investors; we need confidence for the people also. The government should build confidence for the people.”
He further highlighted that the government has only provided verbal assurances about amending the act in the winter session of the Assembly and framing rules in consultation with stakeholders. “They are only assuring us verbally that further amendments will be made to the act in the winter session of the Assembly and, apart from that, the rules will be framed in accordance with our demand. At the same time, they assured us that they will invite all the stakeholders before framing the rule and before amending the act. So we told them that what we see in black and white is the act which has already been passed in 2024. We are apprehensive—not only apprehensive but very much sure that this act will not be beneficial for the local people.”
Dismissing the government’s verbal commitments as insufficient, Thabah made it clear that the union remains firm in its opposition. “The government assured us verbally, so we told them that your assurance verbally cannot be accepted 100 percent. We are not 100 percent satisfied, we are still apprehensive, we will remain apprehensive, and it is imperative for the government to ensure that this act should be people-friendly. Otherwise, if this act remains like this, it should be scrapped immediately.”
He also urged tribal legislators to take a stand when the amendment bill is introduced in the Assembly. “It is important also for different tribal legislators to speak on behalf of the people when this bill of amendment is introduced in the house. We will have a central executive council meeting, and we will discuss what the next course of action should be taken because we have received verbal assurance from the government. We don’t know when that will come in black and white, because, you see, time is also a very important factor. If it takes too much time, then people will be affected. Investors will come from outside, and they will set up industries and establishments here in the state without proper rules. Then it will greatly impact—negatively impact—the people of the state.”
Calling for immediate and decisive action, Thabah made it clear that the union demands urgent amendments or an outright rejection of the act. “If the government is really sincere, if it is really committed, then it should work very fast regarding those amendments and the rules. But at this juncture, it is very important that all and one should reject the principal act of the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion and Facilitation. We have already sent our memorandum to all the 60 legislators.”