Meghalaya Seeks to Amend Law for Stricter Control on Migrant Workers

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong introduced an amendment Bill on Friday aimed at registering migrant labourers in the state. Violators of this proposed law could face fines up to one lakh rupees and imprisonment. The Cabinet approved this amendment on August 2, following raids by pro-ILP activists who expelled over 3000 unregistered migrant workers from construction sites.

Proposed Bill and Penalties

The Bill seeks to amend the Meghalaya Identification Registration Safety and Security of Migrant Workers Act 2020. It aims to enhance clarity and strengthen provisions for better implementation and compliance. "The proposed Bill is to enhance clarity and ensure that the provisions of the Act are strengthened for better implementation and compliance," said Tynsong in the Assembly.

Penalties for Violations

The amendment proposes penalties ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh for those violating the Act. Repeated offenders could face imprisonment for up to three months. Government spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh highlighted that the state would optimise efforts to verify the backgrounds of migrant workers, ensuring only those without criminal records can work in Meghalaya.

Activists' Raids and Demands

Pro-ILP activists conducted unauthorised checks on migrant workers at construction sites, leading to several cases being registered against them. These raids were a response to the state government's failure to enforce existing laws like the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) 2016. Activists also pressured the Centre to implement the ILP system in Meghalaya.

Inner Line Permit System

Various organisations are demanding the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Meghalaya. The ILP is a special permit required by residents from other parts of India to enter and stay in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur for a specified period. In 2019, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to consider extending ILP implementation in Meghalaya.

Meghalaya relies heavily on migrant workers, making their registration crucial for maintaining order and security. The proposed amendment aims to ensure that only law-abiding individuals can work as migrant labourers in the state.