Sikkim to implement mandatory 'Labour ID Card' for migrant workers as verification deadline ends

GANGTOK:  Amid concerns over the possible entry of people with criminal backgrounds in the state due to an "increasing influx" of migrant labour, the Sikkim government has started strictly implementing the requirement to carry 'Labour ID Card' with the deadline for registration and verification drive ending on Monday.

The landlords had also been asked to complete the process of tenant verification by February 10.

Gangtok District Senior Suprintendent of Police Tenzing Loden Lepcha had informed a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay on January 31 that landlords  must complete the mandatory tenant verification by  February 10.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, Labour Department Secretary Ragul K said a large number of skilled and unskilled migrant workers were entering Sikkim, a crucial border state, from various states for jobs in construction, hospitality and other business and occupations. "Many of these workers do not undergo proper police verification, leading to concerns that individuals with criminal backgrounds may use Sikkim as a hideout from law enforcement agencies," he said.

Sikkim Labour Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service Act (2021) entails that employers must ensure every migrant labourer is verified before employment.

It says that migrant workers found without verification will be detained and sent back.

The Labour Department Secretary said any failure to register migrant workers would lead to action against employers.

As notified in 2021, the State government has made Identity Cards mandatory for labourers and workers. All labourers and workers employed in any occupation (construction, factories, shops, hotels, business establishments etc) must carry labour registration ID card while working, officials said, adding that failure to produce it will lead to immediate detainment and investigation with legal consequences against individuals and businesses failing to comply with verification mandates.

The documents required for registration include Voter ID card, Aadhar Card and passport photo. Migrant labourers and workers are required to pay registration fee of Rs 200 per person and they are issued Labour ID Card which is valid for a financial year.  The card needs to be renewed ahead of its expiry. (ANI) 

Also Read: Sikkim Government Enforces Labour ID Card Requirement Amid Migrant Influx Concerns

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