SHILLONG : The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) Central Executive Committee has called for a halt to work at an Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) project at Kairang in East Jaintia Hills, alleging that a large number of non-tribal workers engaged at the site did not possess the required documents.
The JNC CEC, led by its General Secretary Wanshwa Suting, conducted a surprise inspection of the project on September 21 along with other members of the organisation.
Speaking to the media after the inspection, Suting said the project was being executed by Badri Rai Company and that the organisation found more than 100 workers from outside Meghalaya engaged at the site.
According to Suting, the JNC also found that the workers allegedly did not possess the required licences and documents to work in Meghalaya.
He said non-tribal workers coming to Meghalaya for employment are required to comply with applicable registration requirements, including registration under the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2020.
Suting referred to Section 6(1) of the Act, which he said requires non-tribal labourers to register with the Office of the Registration Officer.
The JNC also alleged that the workers did not possess the required Employee Service Licence under Rule 20(1) of the Jaiñtia Hills District Autonomous Council Trading by Non-Tribal Rules, 2015.
The organisation said it would raise the issue with the concerned authorities and sought action regarding the alleged documentation gaps at the project site.
The JNC’s allegations concern the documentation and regulatory compliance of workers engaged at the project. The company or authorities responsible for the project have not been quoted in the statement provided by the organisation.