Govt revokes system of registering migrant workers with local leaders
Shillong, Sept 30: The state government has warned of strong action against those issuing fake migrant worker registration certificates and acknowledgement slips detected at check gates across Meghalaya.
Such unauthorised duplication or alteration with fraudulent intent is punishable under Section 336 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, according to an official notification issued on Wednesday.
The Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Migrant Workers (MIRSS) Act & Rules 2020 mandate registration of every migrant worker and issuance of a separate registration card.
The revised system was officially launched earlier this month. The government said the priority is to improve the identification, registration, safety and security of migrant workers, while ensuring greater accountability among employers and contractors.
A registration card can be obtained by applying online and paying a fee of Rs 50.
The government has revoked the existing provision of registering migrant workers with local leaders.
“Applications must be submitted online to the concerned Registering Officer through the Labour Commissioner portal, Invest Meghalaya portal, Meghalaya State Public Service Delivery Commission portal, CSCs or help desks at District Labour Offices,” the statement said.
Under the amended Rules of 2026, documents required include voter ID, driving licence, PAN, BPL card or any other government document with Aadhaar, besides police verification.
Provisional verification will be done through CCTNS and final verification is to be completed by police within 30 days.
A registration card is valid for 179 days and renewal application must be filed at least 30 days in advance.
The government has asserted that contractors and employers must ensure that all migrant workers they employ are registered.
Labour Minister Methodius Dkhar said the penalties would be imposed on contractors, not workers.
Enforcement, he said, would be carried out at work sites, with contractors held accountable if their workers are found without registration.
Those who engage unregistered migrant workers have been warned of paying a penalty Rs 10,000 for the first offence.
For a similar second office, Rs 25,000 has to be paid and in case of third and subsequent offences, the offender has to pay up to Rs 1 lakh fine or face three months simple imprisonment, or both.
