KSU to KHADC: Be strict in issuing labour license to non-tribals

SHILLONG, Nov 28: The Khasi Students' Union (KSU), Nongstoin circle, on Tuesday urged Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Executive Member in-charge Labour Blandingstar Warjri to be strict while issuing labour licenses to non-tribals, especially in West Khasi Hills district.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the EM in-charge, KSU's Nongstoin circle general secretary Franklinroy Syiemiong said: "We have received many complaints from daily wage earners on the difficulty they face in finding work. The reason for unemployment is because many contractors in Nongstoin give employment to non-tribals."

He said the union had also urged the EM to insert a clause whereby all non-tribal labourers applying for labour license should first provide a work permit as per the Meghalaya Workmen Act, 2013 before issuing them license.

When asked on the assurance given by the EM, he said, "The EM in-charge of Labour has assured the KSU that the matter will be examined and will also be taken up with the Executive Committee of the Council."

Syiemiong, however, said the KSU is disappointed since there has not been any initiative from the KHADC to carry out checking in Nongstoin to find out whether the non-tribal workers have proper documents or not.

He said in West Khasi Hills district around 94 non-tribal labourers have been issued labour license between 1st January and 4th October this year.

He said, "In our observation the presence of non-tribal workers has exceeded the number of registered labourers."