Tura, September 2: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday distributed 21 land pattas to residents of Ronggi Songgital in Tura, fulfilling a long-pending demand of people living on General Administration Department land.
The Chief Minister said there are eight such localities in Tura, of which land documents have now been distributed in four.
Addressing the handing-over ceremony, Sangma recalled visiting the locality in 2018, when he had assured residents that he would work towards resolving their long-standing land-related concerns.
He said the distribution of pattas marked the fulfilment of that commitment and expressed satisfaction at being able to deliver on the promise.
“A total of 21 land pattas were distributed to the beneficiaries during the programme,” the Chief Minister said.
Beneficiaries welcomed the move, saying the land documents would provide greater security and formal recognition of their rights over the land.
Sangma said the ownership documents would also help families access bank loans, obtain necessary certificates and avail themselves of government schemes and public services.
“The families who received the document can find security especially in availing loans, necessary certifications, government schemes and services,” he said.
Describing the occasion as “a great and satisfying moment”, the Chief Minister said the issuance of land documents was the result of cooperation between the government and the public.
He stressed that such collaboration was important for development and growth.
Sangma also assured that similar land settlement issues in other localities would be taken up in due course.
He said the government would move forward only with the consent and cooperation of the people and would not impose decisions unilaterally.
District officials said the initiative would help streamline land records, improve governance and bring greater clarity to land ownership in the Tura Town Area.
Senior district officials, community leaders, beneficiaries and local residents attended the programme.
