Meghalaya Cabinet Clears Amendment To Migrant Workers Act 2020, Fine Raised To Rs 1 Lakh From Just Rs 5,000
First Published: 2nd August, 2024 17:50 IST
This comes amid NGOs, pressure groups checking documents of migrant workers. KSU had urged state government to make the Act stringent
Amid pressure groups and NGOs stepping up vigil against migrant workers in the state, the Meghalaya cabinet today approved amendment to the Meghalaya Identification, Registration, Safety and Security of Migrant Workers Act 2020 and the Rules 2020 and increased the fine manifold to a significant Rs one lakh from the earlier meagre amount of just Rs 5,000.
“Under the original Act of 2020, those found guilty of violating the Act were slapped with a fine of Rs 5,000. The cabinet today decided to increase the fine to Rs 1 lakh per offender and in case of repeat offenders, the guilty will be imprisoned for a maximum of 3 months. The Amendment will now be taken up at the upcoming Assembly session,” state Social Welfare, Tourism, Arts & Culture, Textiles minister Paul Lyngdoh said briefing the media after the cabinet meet.
The minister also said that the one of the main components of the new amendment is that the state government will optimise efforts to check the antecedents of the migrant workers to ensure that only those with no criminal antecedents can join the workforce as migrant workmen in the state.
“It would make use of a central system called Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System or the CCTNS, which will have a database of crimes and criminals. The system is available with police and the department of labour will coordinate accordingly to ensure that records of the registered migrant workers in Meghalaya are properly verified,” Lyngdoh added.
It may be mentioned here that the Meghalaya cabinet’s decision to amend the law and the rules comes in the backdrop of several recent incidents where migrant workers have been attacked and assaulted and several pressure groups and NGOs had stopped migrant workers and checked their documents including work permits.
On July 19, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma met a delegation of Khasi Students Union (KSU) and had assured compulsory registration of migrant workers in the state and that his Government would also look into the penalty provision as the KSU delegation had suggested that the penalty of just Rs 5000 is insufficient.
Also Read: Meghalaya: Tourism Forum Urges Cm Sangma To Ensure Law & Order Situation
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Brother of BSF Jawan Deepak Chingakham Who Died in Cross-Border Firing by Pakistan in Jammu Appointed ASI in Manipur Police on Compassionate Grounds
11th July 2025
Live Maikhuli Villagers Protest MoU Over Assam-Meghalaya Border, Demand Return of Fishery
11th July 2025
Live Chhangur Baba Received Rs 500 Crore in Foreign Funds for Illegal Conversions: Anti-Terror Squad
11th July 2025
Live Taiwan Detects 9 Chinese Warships, 1 Aircraft Breaching ADIZ Amid Rising Tensions
11th July 2025
WE RECOMMEND
Maikhuli Villagers Protest MoU Over Assam-Meghalaya Border, Demand Return of Fishery
At the heart of the protest lies the contentious inclusion of the village's long-maintained fishery within Assam’s territory under the MoU.
11th July 2025
Shubhanshu Shukla Speaks to Students from Assam and Meghalaya from Space, Tells Them He Will Guide Them To Become Astronauts, Walk on the Moon
The Indian astronaut connected with the students using amateur (Ham) radio, making it a rare and inspiring moment.
11th July 2025
Shillong Cantonment to Finally Get Building Bye-Laws After 53 Years; Draft Sent to Defence Ministry for Approval
As per the approved draft, residential buildings along motorable roads can go up to Ground plus 3 (G+3) floors.
11th July 2025
Centre Sanctions Rs 1,066 Cr For Flood And Landslide Hit Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram
These states have experienced heavy rainfall, massive flooding, and multiple landslides during this monsoon season.
10th July 2025
Shillong Gets Its First Mall: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates Rs 100 Cr Polo Commercial Complex
Meghalaya: Rooftop solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems further underline the eco-conscious vision of the project.
10th July 2025