Labour exodus hampers Meghalaya infrastructure projects

Shillong: With the "crackdown" on migrant workers in Meghalaya by various groups, an impact on the execution of major infrastructure projects in the state has now been reported.

According to reports, contractors implementing these projects report a nearly 90 per cent decline in the workforce due to the aggressive actions of these groups, including physical assaults in some cases.

The stringent document verification process and the resulting insecurity have driven away workers, leaving projects in limbo.

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While pressure groups justify their actions by citing the government's failure to implement the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act and Inner Line Permit, contractors argue that they already comply with existing labour laws and regulations.

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The demand for additional documentation, such as labour licenses from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), is seen as an unnecessary burden.

The shortage of skilled labour, particularly in specialized areas, further exacerbates the situation. Despite a preference for hiring local workers, contractors face challenges due to the limited availability of qualified personnel.