In a significant policy response aimed at addressing long-pending grievances of muster roll and casual workers, the Government of Meghalaya has acted on the majority of demands raised by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), signalling a structured push towards wage rationalisation, job security, and social protection. The developments follow a formal consultative meeting convened by the Labour Commissioner on April 29, 2026, where representatives of various muster roll unions placed their concerns before the State authorities, prompting a series of administrative and policy clarifications.
Labour Commissioner Jagdish Chelani said the government had initiated necessary action on key issues flagged by the unions, with four out of the five demands already resolved at the policy level, while the remaining issue continues to be under judicial consideration.
On the revision of wages, the government stated, “the revised VDA notification has now been issued on 1st May 2026 vide Notification No. LE&SD.9/2023/Pt/26 by the Department of Labour, Employment & Skill Development, Government of Meghalaya, revising minimum wages with effect from 1st April 2026.” It further clarified that “these rates are inclusive of Variable Dearness Allowance and shall be revised every six months by adoption of Consumer Price Index (CPI) linked VDA, as per Minimum Wages Act,” adding that “VDA revision was not carried out in October 2025 owing to negative CPI variation.”
Reiterating the State’s position on service regularisation, the government maintained that “this is a settled government policy under the Regular Casual Workers Scheme as issued by the Personnel Department vide Govt. O.M. No. PER(AR).36/95/7 dated 16th September, 1996, further reinforced by the Office Memorandum of 2017,” in response to demands for granting Regular Casual Worker (RCW) status to workers completing ten years of service.
On wage structuring, it confirmed that “the four-tier wage categorization framework for Casual/Muster Roll workers has already been established vide an Office Memorandum issued by the Personnel Department in 2017,” indicating that the categorisation is already in force.
Highlighting steps towards extending social security benefits, the statement noted that “the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has categorically stated that EPF is applicable to all establishments with 20 or more employees and mandates coverage for all categories of employees — whether permanent, casual, Muster Roll, or contractual — without exception.” It added that “the Labour Commissioner has accordingly written to all Government departments with 20 or more employees, directing them to register their establishments and employees with the EPFO forthwith.”
On the demand for enhancement of the retirement age, the government stated that “the retirement age for Muster Roll (MR) workers is currently sub-judice following a petition filed in the Hon’ble High Court of Meghalaya,” while assuring that “a clarificatory circular on this issue shall, however, be circulated to all Department Heads.”
Reaffirming its commitment, the government said “the Government is unequivocal in its commitment to the welfare of Muster Roll and casual workers across the State,” and added that “in case of any concern related to be fulfilment of above provisions can be reported to Labour Commissioner’s office who shall than take it up with the concerned authority for its earliest resolution.” It further emphasised that “out of the five demands raised by the unions, four have been fully resolved at the policy level,” while “the fifth, i.e. enhancement of the retirement age, is currently subjudice following a petition filed in the High Court, and the Labour Commissioner shall pursue the matter with the Personnel Department and the Hon’ble High Court so as to ensure its timely resolution.”
Meghalaya addresses muster roll workers’ demands with measured policy response, issues VDA revision and reinforces framework
