Meghalaya adds more teeth to residents safety act, cabinet issues ordinance

Guwahati: Meghalaya state cabinet on Friday approved the Amended Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Bill (MRRSA) 2019 in the form of an ordinance. The ordinance is expected to keep a tab on illegal immigrants.

“This amendment of the existing Act in the form of an ordinance will come into force immediately. The ordinance will be regularised in the next sessions,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had convened a meeting of different political parties to discuss the proposed amendment. The government also held meetings with different NGOs and stakeholders.


“As per MRRSA 2016, landlords had to register their tenants and inform traditional heads. But through this amendment, we make it applicable to everybody who are interested in visiting our state,” Tynsong said.

He clarified that permanent residents of the state, even if they are non-tribals, need not worry. This Act is applicable only to those visiting the state as tourists, labourers, students or for business transactions. They will need to comply to certain guidelines to be prepared in the form of rules.

Any person who wilfully fails to furnish information or gives false information will be penalised under Section 176 or 177 of the IPC, Tynsong said.

On being questioned about Congress’ opposition on the subject, he said he is not sure on what ground they are opposing the move to amend the Act. As for the documents that people who are visiting he state need to submit, he said that government is yet to draft the rules. Central and State Government employees and local authorities will be exempted.

The Act is applicable only to those visiting the state as tourists, labourers, students or for business transactions