Shillong, Jul 2: In a rare case of bipartisanship, all sides in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) are on the same page when it comes to the Trading by Non-Tribals (Amendment) Bill 2026, which will bring in a new service licence for unorganised migrant workers.
Today, Laban-Mawprem’s independent MDC Ricky Shullai clarified that the bill is not aimed at preventing anyone from doing business or working in the state.
Speaking to reporters, Ricky Shullai said the bill does not apply to government employees, teachers, defence personnel and other exempted categories. “It is meant only for unorganised migrant workers from other states,” he said, adding that the measure is “crucial to protect the indigenous tribal people.”
Earlier this week, Ricky’s uncle and South Shillong MLA (a constituency that includes Laban) Sanbor Shullai appealed to the Meghalaya Governor not to grant assent to the bill, claiming that it was unconstitutional.
The younger Shullai described the proposed law as a regulatory mechanism rather than a bar on trade or employment. “If the Cantonment Board and the Municipality have their rules and regulations, so can the District Council within its jurisdiction,” he said.
On the issue of equality, the MDC said many tribal traders in areas like Motphran, Ïewduh, Police Bazaar and Laitumkhrah operate from the streets without concrete shops but continue their work happily. Referring to Laban, he said non-tribal businesses have been operating there for 30-40 years “without any disturbances, except for regulation” to ensure those without the right to trade or those who do not follow rules cannot act freely.
Ricky Shullai reiterated that the Bill is meant for the Jaidbynriew and that KHADC has made it “more efficient.” He said genuine non-tribal residents of the state need not be concerned as the bill is “not about taking away someone’s right, but to protect the rights and interests of the indigenous people.”
Meanwhile, the KHADC’s Leader of the Opposition, Titosstarwell Chyne, said that the bill is intended to regulate non-tribals and migrant labourers and not those engaged in trade.
He said the KHADC introduced the bill after it lost the authority to issue labour licences following amendments made by the state government to the Labour Act. Chyne expressed hope that the Governor would grant assent to the legislation.
