Shillong, July 23: The work force in Meghalaya comprises a substantial number migrant workers as reflected in the data of registered migrant workers in the state.
Registration of migrant workers started in 2021 in the state and the Labour department reported a substantial registration of over 93,000 migrant workers.
The registration process aims at ensuring safety and security of migrant workers in Meghalaya.
Migrant workers are registered under the provisions of Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety and Security) of Migrant Workers Act 2020.
A total of 93,283 migrant workers registered till 2024 with East Khasi Hills district witnessing the highest of 41,242 registrations followed by East Jaintia Hills at 29,932 registrations.
Registration in Ri-Bhoi was 10,138, West Khasi Hills 3,820, West Jaintia Hills 3,575, South West Khasi Hills 2,858, West Garo Hills 782, North Garo Hills 372, South Garo Hills 326, East Garo Hills 183 and South West Garo Hills 55.
To register, a migrant worker is required to pay a fee of Rs 50. The licence of migrant worker has a validity of six months and has to be renewed every six months.
Labour department collected Rs 93.28 lakh from registrations in 2024.
The state assembly recently passed an amendment to the Act, increasing the penalty for non-compliance from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
The amendment also introduces stricter guidelines for interstate migrant workers, including thorough background checks using the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS).
