Tura, July 19: BJP leader Bernard N. Marak has supported the decision of Nokmas in Garo Hills to impose a fine of ₹10,000 on labourers and employers if workers enter or take up employment on Akhing lands without first obtaining a No Objection Certificate from the concerned Nokma.
In a press statement, Marak said the measure was necessary to protect the constitutional rights of indigenous communities and uphold the traditional governance system recognised under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
He expressed concern over reports of labourers entering different parts of Garo Hills, including Tura, without the consent of the traditional land authorities. He said any arrangement that bypasses the Nokma’s authority weakens the constitutional safeguards provided to tribal communities.
Marak said the Nokma is the traditional custodian of Akhing land and that this authority predates modern legislation. He maintained that executive decisions or administrative practices cannot override protections granted under the Sixth Schedule.
He urged employers to ensure that all labourers engaged in Akhing areas obtain the required NOC from the concerned Nokma. According to the statement, the application can be made online through the Nokma Sani platform.
Marak said both the labourer and the employer would be liable to a ₹10,000 fine for non-compliance, while adding that the primary responsibility rests with employers who facilitate the engagement of workers.
He further said Nokma Committees are being activated across Garo Hills to monitor compliance and initiate appropriate action against violations in accordance with customary decisions and applicable laws.
Marak argued that a labour licence issued by the Labour Department is a general statutory document and should not be treated as a substitute for the consent of the traditional land authority. He said labour licences relating to work on Akhing lands should be processed only after the concerned Nokma issues an NOC.
He also maintained that development committees registered under the State Societies Registration Act do not have constitutional authority over Akhing lands and cannot issue NOCs in place of Nokmas. Such committees, he said, must respect customary laws and comply with approvals required under the traditional governance system.
Marak appealed to employers, contractors, agencies and institutions operating in Garo Hills to comply with the decisions of the Nokmas, saying the issue concerns the protection of indigenous land, identity, autonomy and constitutional rights.
