The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has raised serious concerns over alleged violations of labor laws in Meghalaya, calling for stronger enforcement and greater accountability from authorities.
Addressing the media, KHNAM Working President Thomas Passah claimed that many workers across the state are not receiving wages in line with legally mandated minimum standards. He alleged that several employers are underpaying workers, leading to exploitation and denial of basic labor rights.
Passah pointed to weak monitoring and poor enforcement by the labor department as major reasons behind the continued violations. “Despite clear rules, implementation remains inadequate. This has resulted in widespread irregularities in wage payments,” he said.
He also highlighted the issue of unemployment and underemployment, stating that a lack of job opportunities often forces workers to accept lower wages. According to him, this situation further aggravates the problem of labor exploitation in the state.
Criticizing the functioning of the Labor Department, Passah said that gaps in inspection and enforcement mechanisms have allowed illegal practices to persist unchecked. He stressed the need for stricter inspections, improved transparency, and stronger accountability measures.
The KHNAM leader also called for policy reforms to ensure better protection of workers and to improve overall socio-economic conditions. He urged the state government to prioritize labor welfare and ensure that development benefits reach all sections of society.
Emphasizing the urgency of the issue, Passah said that effective implementation of labor laws is essential to safeguard workers’ rights and prevent exploitation in Meghalaya.