Shillong: The Hynniewtrep Youth Development Council (HYDC) has called for a comprehensive employment policy in Meghalaya to ensure local residents are prioritized across all commercial sectors. While acknowledging the existing industrial promotion policies, the organization argues that the state must extend hiring protections to service-oriented businesses like shopping malls, hotels, private hospitals, and petrol stations.
The council is pushing for a district-wise audit of industries to confirm that companies receiving state incentives are meeting their local hiring obligations. They want the government to publish transparent data regarding the ratio of local to non-local staff, specifically in technical and managerial roles. Additionally, the HYDC raised alarms over wage theft, citing reports that some petrol pump employees are paid below the legal minimum wage.
Transparency in government assets also remains a priority for the group. Following findings from Right to Information queries, the HYDC requested a statewide audit of properties managed by the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority to address issues of unauthorized occupation and illegal subletting. They suggested that future property allotments should be reserved specifically for local start-ups, unemployed youth, and self-help groups.
To better measure the success of state-led initiatives, the council asked the government to release placement records for graduates of official skill development programs. The HYDC maintains that while it supports the state objective of reaching a 10 billion dollar economy, economic expansion must prioritize fair wages and long-term career stability for Meghalaya residents.
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