KHADC open to revisiting Land Amendment Bill following concerns from traditional bodies

Описание: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has expressed its willingness to review the Land Amendment Bill, 2026, following concerns raised by traditional institutions and clan elders over certain provisions in the proposed legislation.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, KHADC Executive Member in-charge of Land, Powell Sohkhlet, said the Council remains open to public consultations and dialogue and is prepared to amend the Bill if necessary.

Sohkhlet explained that the land ceiling provisions were first introduced in 2021 after consultations with various Raids and Himas. He acknowledged that one of the major concerns stemmed from the removal of the word "consultation" in the amended Bill.

He clarified that the Council has no intention of undermining the authority of traditional institutions, stating that the Dorbar Shnong, Dorbar Raid and Dorbar Hima will continue to play a key role in matters related to land administration.

According to Sohkhlet, the proposed land ceiling policy is aimed at creating a land bank for poor and landless indigenous Khasi families, enabling them to access land for housing and benefit from government housing schemes.

He further noted that the Council had not found any records indicating that Raids or Himas had formally established land banks for landless families, making the initiative necessary.

However, Sohkhlet said the Council will await the response of the District Council Affairs Department, as the Bill has already been forwarded to the department for approval.

The statement comes amid opposition from several traditional bodies, which have demanded wider public consultations and stronger safeguards to protect customary land rights and preserve the authority of traditional institutions.

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