SHILLONG, AUG 29: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home Prestone Tynsong has informed that the state government is awaiting the response from Centre on its recent letter reiterating that the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security (Amendment) Bill, 2020 is ‘constitutionally valid’ and in no way restricting the free travel in the state.
While replying to a resolution moved by TMC leader and former chief minister Mukul Sangma in the Assembly on Thursday, Tynsong said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) vide letter dated June 16, 2023 has informed the state government in law department that “the proposed amendment in the Bill appears to have outreached the original intent of Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016 (MRSSA) by seeking details of all persons (rather than only tenants already residing in the state) entering into the state and providing for punishment for not doing so. The proposed amendment Bill appears to be in violations of Article 19 (1) (d) and (e) of the Constitution”. As such, has sought clarifications on the above observations from the state government and also suggested that the state government may consider revisiting the Bill.
Tynsong informed that the state government has responded to the above observations vide letter dated February 21, 2023 whereby the state government has stated that the Bill is constitutionally valid and that it does not violate Article 19 of the Constitution but that the proposed amendment seeks to strengthen the MRSS Act.
“Further vide DO dated August 14, 2024, another letter was sent to the Union Home Secretary by the Chief Secretary reiterating the constitutional validity of the Amendment Bill and that the amendment is in no way a restriction to free travel in the state but only seeks information to be maintained by the state which is in pursuance of the restrictions that are permissible under Article 19 (5) of the Constitution,” he said. He said that the state government is awaiting the response from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
“Hence, the state government has already operationalized the relevant portions of the Act on verification of tenants and formation of the District Task Force in all districts. I am thankful to the localities in Shillong, who have come forward and registered and also to those who started implementing the Act by causing verification of the tenants. I am confident that now we can take the process forward and activate the process in other districts through the District Task Force,” the deputy CM added.
Tynsong informed that the matter of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security (Amendment) Bill, 2020 which has been reserved by the Governor for the consideration of the President is also being followed up with the MHA.
“We have already sent a detailed reply and the matter has also been followed up by the Chief Minister during his meeting with the Union Home Minister recently in Delhi on July 15, 2024,” he said.