SHILLONG, SEPT 21: Work on the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Kairang in East Jaintia Hills has been suspended by the Jaintia National Council (JNC) after a surprise check found hundreds of non-tribal workers from outside the state employed without valid work permits.
The check was carried out on Monday by the JNC headed by its General Secretary Wanshwa Suting.
According to Suting, the construction has been taken up by Badri Rai Company, which allegedly brought in a large non-tribal workforce.
“Not less than several hundred non-tribal labourers have been engaged. During verification, we found they do not possess proper licences or documents,” Suting said.
Citing legal provisions, he said, “Under MRSSA 2020, any non-tribal coming to work in Meghalaya must have a registration card and register under Section 6(1) with the Registration Officer. As per Rule 20(1) of the JHADC Trading by Non-Tribals Rules, 2015, they must also hold an Employee Service Licence. These norms were not complied with.”
Suting said the irony is that a tribal welfare project has no tribal workers.
“EMRS is a Ministry of Tribal Affairs project meant to benefit tribals with hostels, sports, skill development and jobs in the school. It is meant for tribals, but on ground only non-tribals are working, which is very sad,” he said.
The Council has stopped non-tribal workers from continuing.
“We have immediately suspended work by non-tribal labourers. Only local workers are allowed to continue for now. We have made it clear to the company that when local people are available to work, there is no need to bring workers from outside,” Suting said.
