TURA, Feb 18: The AHAM on Wednesday urged Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to initiate immediate administrative intervention to regulate labour engagement and restore developmental activities in Garo Hills under the Sixth Schedule framework.
In its memorandum to the Chief Minister, it pointed out that in the aftermath of the Rajabala mob killing of ACHIK leader-Dilseng Sangma, restrictions and disruptions in the movement and engagement of migrant labourers led to an acute labour crisis across Garo Hills and that developmental and infrastructural works—including road construction, housing projects, public infrastructure, and essential service-related activities slowed down drastically due to the shortage of skilled and semi-skilled workers.
“While Garo Hills falls under the Sixth Schedule area, safeguarding tribal land, customs, and administrative autonomy, such constitutional protection must operate harmoniously with lawful economic activity, public works execution, and labour regulation. The present situation calls not for exclusion or paralysis, but for a structured, lawful, and balanced regulatory framework that protects indigenous interests while ensuring continuity of development,” it said.
It called for regulation and not prohibition of labour engagement, mandatory local labour provision of 50% or more, skilled labour transition policy, a labour registration and monitoring machanism, setting up of district level coordinating committees etc.
