Shillong, Sep 10 (IANS): Meghalaya Labour Minister Methodius Dkhar on Thursday said that the state government has amended rules governing the identification, registration, safety and security of migrant workers in the state, stressing that the system must protect workers while enabling the government to respond effectively during emergencies.
The amended Meghalaya Identification, Registration, Safety and Security of Migrant Workers (MIRSS) Rules, 2020, were unveiled during a state-level launch-cum-orientation programme.
An e-payment gateway for fines and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementing the MIRSS Amendment Act and Rules were also launched during the programme.
Dkhar said registration was essential for maintaining accurate information on migrant workers and their places of employment, but cautioned authorities against turning the process into a source of harassment for workers or employers.
“Registration is important because it enables the government to know where migrant workers are employed and to assist them during emergencies,” he said.
The minister called for coordinated implementation involving the Labour Department, police, district administrations, employers, contractors, trade unions, civil society organisations and migrant workers.
He directed deputy commissioners and district-level officials to work closely with Labour Department personnel, while identifying awareness, facilitation, inspection and enforcement as key components of the amended framework.
The rules also seek stronger coordination between police and labour authorities in dealing with complaints involving migrant workers.
Dkhar said allegations of harassment, intimidation, discrimination, physical injury and other unlawful acts should be promptly registered and investigated in accordance with the law.
He further stressed the need for Meghalaya to coordinate with states from which migrant workers originate, particularly on worker identification, verification, emergency response and welfare measures.
Dkhar said migrant workers make an important contribution to Meghalaya’s economy and are employed across sectors including construction, infrastructure, healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, mining and manufacturing.
He urged employers, contractors, industries and business establishments to take responsibility for workers’ safety and ensure they can access government-mandated benefits and protections.
At the same time, the minister emphasised that registration must respect the privacy and dignity of migrant workers. Data collected under the system, he said, should be used strictly for legitimate public purposes and handled responsibly.
The amended framework is aimed at strengthening worker protection while improving the government’s ability to identify, monitor and assist migrant workers across Meghalaya.
