Shillong, Aug 7: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Regulation Administration of Land) Amendment Bill, 2026 and the related notification on fixation of land ceiling issued recently by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) are likely to be stalled as the State government has reportedly agreed to the demand by the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong (SKRS) on the matter.
The Land Bill was passed by the KHADC in its session held in June 2026. The VPP-led Executive Committee said the purpose of the amendment was to prevent misuse or transfer of community land by traditional heads. It also said that community land was meant to be used for community purposes and for the benefits of the poor and landless villagers.
A delegation of the SKRS led by its chairman Rapïonglang Blah today met Chief Minister Conrad Sangma in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and submitted a memorandum urging the State government to request the Governor not to give his assent to the Bill.
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In the memorandum, the SKRS expressed its concern over the deletion of the provision in Section 16 of the principal Act, 2021 which required the Executive Committee of KHADC to consult the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima before fixing a ceiling on settlement, allotment, or setting apart of community land (Ri Raid).
The SKRS said the amendment dilutes the role of traditional institutions which have, for generations, functioned as custodians of indigenous administration.
The memorandum also referred to the KHADC order issued on June 11, 2026, which fixed a ceiling on community land. According to the memorandum, the order was issued without following the consultation process laid down in Section 16.
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During the meeting, Sangma expressed his agreement with the views put forward by the SKRS and reiterated the State government’s commitment traditional institutions, customary governance, indigenous land rights, and “the unique matrilineal heritage of Meghalaya.
The SKRS delegation has expressed appreciation to Sangma and Tynsong for the positive discussion.
