Clearance certificate from KHADC mandatory for migrant workers: Chyne

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 2, 2021

The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council has maintained that it is mandatory for all migrant labourers to obtain a clearance labour certificate (CLC) from the council.

Replying to the discussion on the budget speech on Tuesday, chief executive member (CEM) Titosstarwell Chyne said that the council is aware that the state government had already passed The Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Migrant Workers Act, 2020.

“However, it is still mandatory for all migrant labourers to obtain the clearance labour certificate from the council in addition to the labour license issued by the state government,” Chyne said.

His clarification also came in the wake of opposition members expressing concern over the statement made by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong that the autonomous district councils (ADCs) cannot issue licenses to migrant workers.

Tynsong had stated that following the passing of The Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Migrant Workers Act, 2020, issuing of labour license now lies with the state government and no longer with ADCs.

It may be mentioned that the Act seeks to prevent the commission of offenses of harassment, intimidation, discrimination and such other actor omission that may affect the safety and security of migrant workers.

Anybody who threatens the safety and security of a migrant worker will be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 months or with a fine which may extend to Rs 5,000, it stated.