SHILLONG, July 4: In a move signalling a deepening jurisdictional turf war, the KHADC is banking on a “Jaintia Hills model” to force all non-tribal labourers in the unorganised sector under its direct licensing net—a move the Council claims was prompted by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong himself.
KHADC Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh revealed that the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Trading by Non-Tribals) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was introduced following Tynsong’s suggestion to adopt a mechanism similar to the one already enforced by the JHADC.
The amendment seeks to regulate the influx of non-tribal workers while attempting to avoid a legal overlap with the State Labour department.
The proposed law introduces the Non-Tribal Employees’ Service Licence (NTESL), specifically targeting laborers and workers in the unorganised sector brought in by employers and contractors. Notably, the Bill excludes employees in government offices, banks, educational institutions, and defense establishments—sectors where the Council’s legal authority is most likely to be challenged.
Lyngdoh argued that while many workers enter the state with Labour department permissions, the District Council currently lacks a mechanism to monitor their presence. Under the new rules, any employer—tribal or non-tribal—hiring outside labour for the unorganised sector must obtain the NTESL directly from the Council.
The move has triggered a sharp internal fracture within the government. South Shillong MLA and Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai has formally opposed the Bill, petitioning Governor C. H. Vijayashankar to withhold assent. Shullai contends the legislation is unconstitutional and exceeds the powers granted to Autonomous District Councils under the Sixth Schedule.
However, Laban-Mawprem MDC Ricky Shullai defended the measure, insisting it is merely an amendment to existing trade regulations rather than a new labour law.
He maintained the focus remains strictly on regulating outside workers in the unorganised sector to address local concerns over unchecked influx.
For local contractors and businesses, the Bill represents a significant shift in the cost and bureaucracy of doing business, as the Council moves to assert its authority over the state’s most vulnerable labour pool.
