By Our Reporter
Shillong, Aug 24: The Opposition in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has raised concerns over the council’s role in issuing labour licences to migrant workers.
KHADC Leader of Opposition, Titosstarwell Chyne, has sought clarification from the Executive Committee after media reports surfaced regarding the issuance of labour licence receipts.
KHADC Executive Member in charge of Trade, Winston Tony Lyngdoh, asserted that the council has implemented strict mechanisms to monitor and regulate the entry of non-tribal labourers into the autonomous areas of Meghalaya.
Lyngdoh emphasised that the council is taking all necessary steps to ensure that the entry of non-tribal workers is regulated in compliance with existing norms, in an effort to address concerns about the potential impact of an influx on the local population.
He also clarified that the current system of issuing labour clearance certificates was established during Chyne’s own tenure as CEM. The EM said the council maintains a policy of not granting trade licences to non-tribals for businesses managed by locals, with exceptions made only for large companies requiring specialised skills. Non-tribal workers must obtain a labour clearance certificate and are subject to regular inspections by lessees, he added.