TMC criticises Meghalaya CM for "failure" to enforce MRSSA

Tura: On Wednesday, the Trinamool Congress in Garo Hills criticized Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma over the alleged "failure" of the state government to fully implement the Meghalaya Residents’ Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) as originally intended to control the influx of migrant workers.

The TMC also rebuked him for asserting that only the Labour Department had the authority to verify the documents of these workers.

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The party questioned the efficacy of the Labour Department, given the continued arrival of migrant workers in the state.

TMC youth leader Richard Marak highlighted the requirements of the MRSSA 2016, which mandates that labourers from outside the state register with the District Task Force or facilitation centres established under the Act.

This registration includes verification of their background, address, and other relevant details.

Marak criticized the government for failing to set up these task forces or facilitation centres as required by the Act.

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He stated that after registration and verification, labourers might need to obtain a permit or registration certificate to work in Meghalaya, and employers must also register and verify these workers to ensure safety and security for both the labourers and the local population.

Marak commented on the Khasi Students’ Union’s decision to establish Inner Line Permit (ILP) check gates, viewing it as a desperate measure to compensate for the government's inaction.

He pointed out the discovery of over 500 unregistered migrant labourers and the rejection of individuals from Assam lacking valid documents as clear indications of the government's failure to address illegal migration.