Meghalaya CM Proposes Amendment to Register Migrant Labourers Amidst Pro-ILP Activism

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma introduced a bill to register migrant labourers, with fines and jail terms for violations. The amendment aims to bolster clarity and enforcement amid demands for the Inner Line Permit system. The move follows raids that expelled over 3000 unregistered workers.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has tabled an amendment bill that mandates the registration of migrant labourers in the state. Violators could face fines of up to one lakh rupees and a possible jail term.

On August 2, the state cabinet approved the amendment to the Meghalaya Identification Registration (Safety and Security) of Migrant Workers Act 2020. The decision came just days after pro-ILP activists raided numerous construction sites, expelling over 3000 unregistered migrant workers.

Various organizations are clamoring for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, which restricts entry and stay in certain northeastern states. "The proposed bill aims to enhance clarity and ensure stronger enforcement," stated the Chief Minister in the Assembly. The bill also proposes increased penalties, ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh for violators, and possible imprisonment for repeat offenders.

According to Government spokesperson and cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh, the amendment will help verify the background of migrant workers to ensure they have no criminal records. Meghalaya depends heavily on migrant workers, making this legislative change crucial.

The anti-migrant labour drive has led to several cases against pro-ILP activists. These activists have been protesting the government's failure to implement existing laws and pressuring the Centre to implement ILP to manage the influx of people. In 2019, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to extend ILP to the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)