Shillong, September 9: The Meghalaya Government on Wednesday launched the amended Meghalaya Identification, Registration, Safety and Security of Migrant Workers (MIRSS) Rules, 2020, along with a Standard Operating Procedure and an e-payment gateway for payment of fines.
The amended rules were formally launched by Labour Minister Methodius Dkhar during a State-level launch-cum-orientation programme organised by the Department of Labour, Employment and Skill Development at the State Guest House, Tara Ghar.
Addressing the programme, Dkhar stressed the need for close coordination among the police, district administration, employers, contractors, trade unions, civil society organisations and migrant workers for effective implementation of the amended framework.
He said the Labour Department would play a central role in communicating and implementing the provisions of the Act and Rules across the State, with awareness, facilitation, inspection and enforcement identified as the four key areas of focus.
The Minister called upon Deputy Commissioners and district-level officials to work closely with Labour Department officials to ensure smooth and effective implementation.
Referring to the role of the police, Dkhar said the amended framework provides for closer coordination between police authorities and labour officials. Complaints relating to harassment, intimidation, discrimination, physical injury or other unlawful acts against migrant workers should be promptly registered, investigated and dealt with in accordance with law, he said.
He also stressed the importance of coordination between Meghalaya and the home states of migrant workers, particularly in matters relating to identification, verification, emergency assistance and welfare.
Dkhar said employers, contractors, industries and business establishments must recognise their responsibility towards migrant workers and ensure their safety as well as access to benefits and protections available under government regulations.
Highlighting the role of migrant workers in Meghalaya’s economy, he said they are engaged in sectors such as construction, infrastructure, healthcare, hospitality, agriculture and manufacturing.
The Minister said proper registration would help the government identify where migrant workers are employed and enable timely assistance during emergencies.
At the same time, he cautioned that registration should not become a tool for harassment or create unnecessary barriers for workers and employers.
Dkhar also said the registration process must respect the privacy and dignity of workers, and that information collected should be used only for legitimate public purposes and handled responsibly.
During the programme, the Minister launched the amended MIRSS Rules, the e-payment gateway for payment of fines, and the SOP for implementation of the MIRSS Amendment Act and Rules.
Senior government officials and stakeholders attended the programme, including L.S.N. Garod Dykes, Secretary, Department of Labour, Employment and Skill Development; Dr B.D.R. Tiwari, Commissioner and Secretary; Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Principal Secretary, Department of Labour, Employment and Skill Development; and Labour Commissioner Banteilang J. Kharshandi.
