The Department of Labour, Employment and Skill Development, Government of Meghalaya, on Wednesday organised a state launch-cum-orientation programme on the amended Meghalaya Identification, Registration, Safety and Security of Migrant Workers (MIRSS) Rules, 2020.
The amended rules were launched by Labour Minister Methodius Dkhar during a state-level launch-cum-orientation programme organised by the Department of Labour, Employment and Skill Development at the State Guest House, Tara Ghar.
Speaking on the occasion, Methodius Dkhar stressed the need for coordinated efforts among the police, district administration, employers, contractors, trade unions, civil society organisations and migrant workers for effective implementation of the new framework.
He said the Labour Department would have a central role in ensuring that the provisions of the Act and Rules are properly communicated and implemented across the state. He identified awareness, facilitation, inspection and enforcement as the four key areas of focus.
Dkhar also called upon Deputy Commissioners and district-level officials to work closely with Labour Department officials to ensure effective implementation of the amended rules.
On the role of the police, the Minister said the amended framework provides for closer coordination between police authorities and labour officials. Complaints relating to harassment, intimidation, discrimination, physical injury or other unlawful acts against migrant workers, he said, should be promptly registered, investigated and dealt with according to law.
He further emphasised the need for coordination between Meghalaya and the states from which migrant workers originate, particularly in matters of identification, verification, emergency assistance and welfare.
Dkhar said employers, contractors, industries and business establishments must recognise their responsibility towards migrant workers and ensure their safety and access to benefits and protections available under government regulations.
Highlighting the contribution of migrant workers to the state’s economy, he said they are engaged in several sectors, including construction, infrastructure, healthcare, hospitality, agriculture and manufacturing.
The Minister said proper registration was essential as it would enable the government to identify where migrant workers are employed and assist them during emergencies. However, he cautioned that registration should not become a tool for harassment or create unnecessary barriers for workers and employers.
He also stressed that the registration process must respect the privacy and dignity of workers, with information collected being used only for legitimate public purposes and handled responsibly.
During the programme, Dkhar also launched the MIRSS Amendment Rules, an e-payment gateway for payment of fines, and the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementation of the MIRSS Amendment Act and Rules.
The programme was attended by senior government officials, including L.S.N. Garod Dykes, IAS, Secretary, Department of Labour, Employment and Skill Development; Dr B.D.R. Tiwari, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary; Frederick Roy Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Department of Labour, Employment and Skill Development; and Banteilang J. Kharshandi, MCS, Labour Commissioner, along with other officials and stakeholders.