By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 25: The Khasi Students’ Union–South Khasi Hills District Unit (KSU-SKHDU) on Monday questioned the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) over the issuance of receipts to migrant workers, which are valid for only 15 days.
Speaking to reporters after meeting KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Shemborlang Rynjah, KSU-SKHDU president Reebokstar Diengdoh said receipts issued by the council on August 18 showed that migrant workers were required to pay Rs 700 each to the Council.
Although the CEM could not provide a direct clarification—stating that he would need to consult the Executive Member in charge of the Labour Department—he admitted that the Council would need to explain why the validity of such receipts was restricted to just 15 days.
“We want the CEM to clarify the matter,” Diengdoh said, while urging the Council to issue Labour Clearance Certificates (LCCs) strictly in accordance with established provisions.
The KSU-SKHDU president further questioned the Council’s decision to issue LCCs for jobs such as helpers—work that Khasi youth are fully capable of undertaking, particularly in areas like Sohra and Shella.
He added that the Union has repeatedly reminded the council, through letters, that trading licenses should not be issued in Sohra and Shella. A written request on this matter had earlier been submitted to the former Executive Member in charge of Trade, he said.
“KSU maintains its firm stance that no further issuance or renewal of trading licenses should be allowed to non-tribals, especially since many already hold licenses in urban areas and the state capital. Specifically, in rural and border areas such as Sohra and Shella, licenses should not be issued, as this would undermine opportunities for local indigenous people to engage in business and livelihood activities,” Diengdoh stated.
He also expressed concern that many outsiders may permanently settle in Sohra and Shella due to the lack of monitoring and regulation. According to him, border villages under Hima Sohra (Majai), Hima Mawlong, Elaka Wahlong, Elaka Sohbar, and Elaka Shella have already seen a significant influx of illegal immigrants and non-tribal settlers.
Recalling that the Union had earlier requested a special census of non-tribals in these areas, Diengdoh said that traditional heads had failed to act or submit the necessary information.
“We have urged the CEM to issue strict directives to all traditional authorities to immediately submit a detailed census of non-tribal residents in areas under Sohra and Shella,” he added.
He also revealed that many non-tribals reside on private Khasi-owned land, with some even illegally constructing permanent structures or forcefully claiming ownership.
In some cases, landowners allow outsiders to stay or lease land without restrictions.
“In Majai, the entire area is considered Ri Raid under the control of the Syiem of Hima Sohra. However, it remains unclear whether the Syiem possesses official land documents (dulir) to support past land allocations,” he said.
On the Ramakrishna Mission in Sohra and Shella, Diengdoh alleged that the institution’s Secretary has been issuing identity cards and certifying labourers, deploying them to various construction sites under the Mission without securing the mandatory LCCs from the District Council. “We had raised this issue with the former Executive Committee but are yet to receive any response,” he said.
Regarding the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Workers Act, 2020, he expressed concern that the state law was being used to issue labour permits indiscriminately to non-tribals, including for jobs that Khasi workers could undertake—within areas under District Council jurisdiction.
On the issue of illegal land acquisition by non-tribals, Diengdoh asked whether the KHADC could implement a cut-off year under the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971, to take action against those who settled after the Act came into force in Sixth Schedule areas under Council’s jurisdiction.
He also noted that, with regard to Non-Employee Clearance, the council is legally required to issue clearance certificates to non-tribal employees working in hotels, resorts, and restaurants—even if they hold academic qualifications or certificates from other institutions—before they can begin operating any business.
“The council must carefully verify and explicitly recognise such individuals and entrepreneurs before granting them permission,” the KSU-SKHDU president asserted.