Meghalaya Proposes Amendment Bill for Migrant Laborer Registration

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong introduced an amendment Bill mandating the registration of migrant laborers. The amendment, which imposes fines and possible jail terms for violations, aims to enhance the existing law's clarity and implementation. Pro-ILP activists have also demanded stricter permit systems to control labor influx.

On Friday, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong introduced an amendment Bill in the state Assembly, seeking mandatory registration of migrant laborers. Violators of this requirement may face fines up to one lakh INR and possible jail terms.

This amendment to the Meghalaya Identification Registration (Safety and Security) of Migrant Workers Act 2020 was approved by the Cabinet on August 2. The decision came after pro-ILP activists conducted raids at construction sites, displacing over 3,000 unregistered migrant laborers.

The Inner Line Permit (ILP), a special entry permit system, has been a focal point for activists who are advocating its implementation in Meghalaya. Currently, the ILP is mandatory in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur.

The proposed Bill aims to enhance clarity and strengthen the Act for better compliance. Penalties for non-compliance range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh, with repeat offenders risking up to three months in jail.

According to government spokesperson and cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh, the amendment also focuses on vetting the criminal records of migrant workers to ensure only those with clean backgrounds can work in the state.

In recent events, activist-led raids have prompted several cases against pro-ILP leaders. These actions were in response to the perceived inadequacy of existing laws, including the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016. Pressure continues to mount on the Centre to implement the ILP to control the influx of migrants. The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution in 2019 urging the Centre to consider extending the ILP in the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)