Shillong: The District Council Affairs Department is scrutinizing the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Land Amendment Bill, 2026. Officials are weighing the impact of deleting a consultation requirement under Section 16 of the principal Act. This specific change sparked fierce opposition from traditional institutions. The government has not yet sent the document to Governor C.H. Vijayashankar at Lok Bhavan. It currently awaits a legal opinion from the Law Department.
Traditional leaders, including groups like the Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep and the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep, want the bill blocked. They met with the Governor and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to protest. They also demand the revocation of a June 11, 2026, notification that placed ceilings on community-owned Raid land. Critics argue these moves strip customary institutions of their power.
The bill contains modern reforms that officials admit are sound. It covers digital records, QR codes, and computerised mapping. These tech upgrades align with national modernization efforts. An official source noted, "There would have been little difficulty in obtaining assent for the digitisation provisions since they are broadly aligned with the Centre’s programme for modernisation and digitisation of land records."
New rules propose a Land Tribunal to handle disputes. It will manage boundary issues and mutation requests through physical or electronic proceedings. Violators who tamper with digital records face fines up to Rs 50,000. Public officials who make unauthorized changes also risk disciplinary action.
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