Raising concerns over rising unemployment among local youth and the increasing dependence on outside labour in key infrastructure projects, Meghalaya BJP vice president and Tura MDC Bernard N Marak on Sunday called for a mandatory engagement of at least 50% local labourers in all works undertaken across Garo Hills, while also advocating stringent enforcement against illegal traders and workers operating without proper authorisation under the Sixth Schedule framework.
“Engage 50% laborers from localities where projects / works are undertaken by the contractors and owners. 80% of youths are unemployed of which 60% are dropouts because there is no source of income and livelihood to them. These youths should be involved in local works as part of social rehabilitation,” Marak said, underlining the urgency of addressing joblessness through locally anchored employment generation.
Flagging quality concerns in major development works, he said, “In my survey, it was found that most works done by outside laborers in major projects like Gati Shakti, PMGSY, JJM, Medical, PWD, PHE, etc., are substandard and deteriorated fast due to lack of skill. They charge high wages while pay no taxes to GHADC and deprive local youths of earning their livelihood.”
He further warned of growing social discontent, stating, “I plan to conduct a holistic support program for dropout youths so they can engage in daily wage-earning activities, as frustration is growing among them which is not good to the society. Night schools or online schooling should also be encouraged for dropouts which will also be taken up with concerned authorities. I already started talks with authorities running distance education.”
On regulation of non-local workers and traders, Marak asserted, “If outsiders have no license, no entry will be given to illegal traders, hawkers, and daily wage earners in Garo Hills. This stand protects the rights given to Garo people through the Constitution of India. GHADC has issued a notice to check illegal traders and hawkers, which includes daily wage earners in Garo Hills.”
He emphasised the role of traditional institutions in land governance, stating, “Those insisting on bringing laborers from the plains should first acquire an NOC from the Nokmas, as the land is under the custody of the Akhing Nokmas. Pattas are not permanent land documents but merely periodic lease documents. A No Objection Certificate from the Nokmas can be applied for online in the Nokma Sani Union (NSU) website. With the NOC and recommendation of local MDCs, they should apply for Professional/TNT/Hawker Licenses from GHADC as per their category.”
Calling for strict compliance, he added, “Contractors and house owners should not house or allow them illegally without the above-mentioned documents. Anyone found violating the provisions set by GHADC through the provisions of the Sixth Schedule, if found, will be forwarded to the Court.”
Reiterating the availability of local manpower, Marak said, “There is no shortage of skilled laborers in Garo Hills, even among tribals. Fifty percent of local laborers should be involved by owners / contractors supporting the local youths. There are thousands of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled laborers working under job cards and other local developmental works. Despite such an order in place, many illegal migrants infiltrate Nokma lands without authorization, undermining the authority of traditional heads which will not be tolerated in the Sixth Scheduled area.”
Push for 50% Local Labour in Projects, Strict Curbs on Illegal Workers in Garo Hills: Bernard
