Shillong, Jun 2: The Hynñiewtrep Youth Development Council (HYDC) has alleged irregularities in MUDA commercial complexes urging the government to initiate a statewide audit of all the complexes and government-owned properties.
Citing the Right to Information (RTI) findings, the HYDC has pointed out the need for a verification process to ascertain the current occupants against the original allotment records and lease agreements to determine whether unauthorised occupation, transfer of possession, or subletting has occurred, which could be a violation of existing regulations. It also asked for priority in future MUDA allotments for unemployed local youth, startups, women entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and genuine small business operators.
The HYDC also called for a comprehensive Meghalaya Employment Policy, noting that a large share of jobs comes from service sectors outside MIIP-2024’s industrial focus.
The policy, it said, must promote “local employment across industries, tourism, healthcare, education, retail, hospitality, transport, and other service sectors.”
On MIIP-2024, HYDC flagged “limited employment opportunities available to local youth in industrial clusters” and sought a “district-wise audit of compliance with local employment provisions” and publication of “industry-wise employment statistics showing local and non-local workforce composition.”
The group also raised wage violations, stating “workers employed in some petrol pump outlets reportedly receiving wages of approximately Rs 7,000 per month, which, if verified, would be substantially below prescribed minimum wage rates.” It demanded “strict enforcement of minimum wage laws” and a “dedicated labour grievance redress mechanism.”
“Development must create employment, business opportunities, and economic benefits for the people of Meghalaya,” HYDC said, adding that State resources must translate into employment, entrepreneurship, fair wages, and improved livelihoods for local youth.
