Meghalaya government has started an online platform for registration of migrant workers in the state.
Deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong on March 5 unveiled the portal for migrant workers under the Meghalaya Identification Registration (Safety and Security) of Migrant Workers Act 2020, at a function in Shillong.
The aim of the act is to “ensure the maintenance of public order and protection and safety of migrant workers in Meghalaya through identification and mandatory registration of all such workers” in the state. As such, the portal enables the migrant workers and persons/contractors employing migrant workers to register them, failing which they will be liable to a fine of up to Rs 5000.
“Registration through the portal can be made from any part of the country, or through the common service centres or a help desk at the registration office with a payment of Rs 50,” an official notification said.
Speaking on the occasion, Tynsong said that with the passing of the Meghalaya Identification Registration (Safety and Security) of Migrant Workers Act 2020, the authority for issuing labour licenses now lie with the state government.
Stating that the launch of the online portal will improve the ease of doing business, he urged all stakeholders to utilise the portal so that a record of genuine migrant workers is maintained in the state.
Pointing out that this move is crucial for the development of the state as labour forces from outside are required to complete projects of different departments, he reiterated that only those migrant workers/labourers who fulfil various criteria stated under the act will be issued with a labour license.
