The State cabinet today approved the amendment to Meghalaya Identification Registration (Safety and Security) of Migrant Workers Act 2020 mandating registration of migrant labourers, with fines of up to Rs 1 lakh for non-compliance.
The decision comes days after members of pressure groups including the KSU conducted raids on construction sites, driving out over large number of unregistered migrant workers.
Under the amended Meghalaya Identification Registration (Safety and Security) of Migrant Workers Act 2020, migrant workers must register with the Labour Department in accordance with the Interstate Workmen Act 1979 and the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Migrant Workers Rules 2020.
Government spokesperson and cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh said that the amendment will be presented in the upcoming Assembly session for approval.
According to Lyngdoh, the amendment increases the penalty for violations from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh and introduces a provision for simple imprisonment of up to three months for repeat offenders.
“A key component of the amendment is the implementation of a central database management system to check the antecedents of migrant workers,” the minister said.
Lyngdoh also said that this system will allow the verification of criminal records, ensuring that only those without criminal backgrounds can join the workforce in Meghalaya.
“The Labour Department will coordinate with local police to ensure proper verification of migrant labourers,” he added.
Lyngdoh emphasised that Meghalaya relies heavily on migrant workers due to a shortage of local labour.
He noted that without proper verification, these workers could pose a threat to Meghalaya’s peace and security.
The new measures are intended to address concerns about illegal immigration and enhance security, he said.
The cabinet’s decision follows criticism of the State government for not implementing existing laws, such as the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) 2016, and for the delay in implementing the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
In 2019, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to extend the ILP to Meghalaya. The State is still awaiting the Centre’s decision on this matter.
