Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday promised to reform the state’s Domicile Act, 2016 to address illegal immigration concerns and ensure that the law, in its new form, stands up to judicial and central scrutiny.
The Chief Minister, who was responding to a discussion on a resolution moved by Opposition Leader Mukul Sangma, told the state assembly that his administration would review and amend the Meghalaya Population Safety and Security Act, 2016.
In December 2021, the Meghalaya High Court blocked the implementation of some aspects of the law, noting that there were no provisions authorizing the state to regulate entry and exit points with Bangladesh.
“I assure the House that we will reconsider the entire aspect and see how we can introduce amendments to the Labor Code of the Republic of India that would withstand the scrutiny of the judiciary as well as the Government of India and the Parliament,” the Prime Minister said in response to a resolution proposed by Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma.
Mukul Sangma later withdrew the proposed decision in light of the Prime Minister’s response.
Conrad said the Union Home Ministry had asked the state to review the law. “We are working with the Ministry of Law, the Solicitor General and the Ministry of Interior to navigate through a complex web of laws and rules,” he said.
The Prime Minister stressed the need for long-term social and economic solutions to address illegal migration, noting that economic opportunity is often a key driver. “They come here because of the economic conditions, they get jobs,” Conrad said.
“Ultimately, we will only be able to find a solution to tackle illegal immigration by finding long-term social and economic solutions and ensuring that all stakeholders play their role,” he said.
Conrad said the government is also considering validating entry and exit points under the new Immigration and Aliens Act 2025, which includes provisions for restricted areas. “And that’s exactly what we’re trying to do,” he added.
“The intent of the MRSSA Act 2016 was positive and correct, but we are constrained and operating under the constraints of several laws, statutes and provisions made by Parliament and the Constitution,” he said.
Conrad said the law’s recording and monitoring provisions could continue to be implemented in the meantime. The Chief Minister said that 817 panchayats and 427 sub-districts have been registered under MRSSA, adding that work is underway, as Meghalaya has more than 7,000 villages listed.
Withdrawing the decision, the Opposition Leader thanked the Prime Minister for his response. “Today’s discussion reflects the collective determination and intention to improve the sense of responsibility towards this crucial issue,” he said.
