Guwahati: Meghalaya Labour Minister Methodius Dkhar on September 9 launched amended rules governing the registration, safety and protection of migrant workers in the state, saying the new framework would enable authorities to identify their workplaces and respond more effectively during emergencies.
Dkhar was speaking at a state-level launch-cum-orientation programme on the amended Meghalaya Identification, Registration, Safety and Security of Migrant Workers (MIRSS) Rules, 2020. He said the registration mechanism should serve as a welfare measure rather than create unnecessary difficulties for workers or employers.
According to the minister, maintaining accurate registration records would help the government locate migrant workers and extend assistance to them during emergencies. However, he stressed that the process should not be misused to harass workers or those employing them.
The amended rules were unveiled at the State Guest House, Tara Ghar, along with an e-payment gateway for the payment of fines and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementing the MIRSS Amendment Act and Rules.
Dkhar urged all stakeholders, including the police, district administration, employers, contractors, trade unions, civil society groups and migrant workers, to work together to ensure the new provisions are implemented effectively.
He also asked deputy commissioners and district-level authorities to maintain close coordination with Labour Department officials. He identified awareness-building, facilitation, inspection and enforcement as key components of the implementation process.
The revised framework calls for stronger coordination between labour authorities and the police. Dkhar said complaints concerning harassment, intimidation, discrimination, physical assault or other unlawful acts against migrant workers must be promptly registered and investigated in accordance with the law.
The minister further emphasised the need for cooperation between Meghalaya and the states from which migrant workers come. Such coordination, he said, would be important for worker identification and verification, emergency response and access to welfare measures.
Employers, contractors, industries and commercial establishments also have a responsibility to ensure the safety and welfare of migrant workers, Dkhar said. He urged them to facilitate workers’ access to benefits and protections available under government regulations.
Highlighting the contribution of migrant workers to Meghalaya’s economy, Dkhar noted that they are employed across sectors such as construction, infrastructure, healthcare, hospitality, agriculture and manufacturing.
He said their contribution made it essential for the state to ensure that their safety and welfare remained a priority.
Dkhar also underlined the importance of safeguarding the privacy and dignity of migrant workers during the registration process. He said information collected through the system should be used only for legitimate public purposes and handled responsibly.