The JNC Central Executive Committee, led by CEC General Secretary Wanshwa Suting and other JNC members, today conducted a surprise inspection of the construction of the Eklavya Modern Residential School (EMRS) at Kairang village in East Jaintia Hills.
Speaking to reporters, Wanshwa Suting said, “During the surprise inspection, the council found that the project had been undertaken by Badri Rai Company. The inspection further revealed that Badri Rai Company had brought in non‑tribal labourers from outside the state to work on the project. The number of such labourers is not less than several hundred. It was also found that these labourers did not possess the proper licences or documents required.
“Any non‑tribal labourer coming to work in Meghalaya must provide a registration card under the MRSSA 2020. According to Section 6(1), non‑tribal labourers must also register with the Office of the Registration Officer. In addition, they must hold an Employee Service Licence under Rule 20(1) of the Jaintia Hills District Autonomous Council Trading by Non‑Tribals Rules, 2015.
“Of course, this project is very beneficial and will help us, the tribals, and the area as a whole, because it will include hostels, sports activities, skill‑development teaching and various trainings; there will also be benefits for local people in securing jobs in various departments of this school. This project falls under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and its objective is to benefit especially the tribals and not the non‑tribals. The sad thing is that, during our inspection, we found that only non‑tribals are working here.”
After finding that workers at the EMRS project do not have the necessary documents and are working illegally in the state, the council has immediately suspended work on the project, particularly by non‑tribal labourers, and allowed only local workers to continue. The council has made it clear to such companies that they should not bring in workers from outside the state while locals are still able to do the work.