Meghalaya Tightens Rules for Migrant Workers with Steep Penalties

The Meghalaya cabinet has approved amendments mandating migrant worker registration, introducing steep fines for violations. The changes, set for Assembly review, augment penalties and enforce central database checks to verify worker backgrounds, addressing concerns over illegal immigration and state security.

The Meghalaya cabinet on Friday approved a proposal by the labour department mandating registration of migrant labourers, with fines of up to Rs 1 lakh for non-compliance. This decision follows raids by pro-ILP activists driving out over 3,000 unregistered workers from construction sites.

Under the amended Meghalaya Identification Registration (Safety and Security) of Migrant Workers Act 2020, workers must register with the labour department according to existing laws. Government spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh stated that the amendment increases fines and introduces up to three months of imprisonment for repeat offenders. A central database will ensure worker background checks, preventing those with criminal records from entering the local workforce.

Lyngdoh emphasized Meghalaya's reliance on migrant labour due to local shortages, highlighting the necessity of proper verifications to maintain safety and order. The new measures also respond to criticisms of lax implementation of laws like the MRSSA 2016 and delays in the Inner Line Permit system. The 2019 state resolution requesting ILP extension awaits a response from the Centre as activists and local unions push for tighter controls on migration.

(With inputs from agencies.)