Shillong: A constitutional fight is brewing in Shillong. Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai asked Governor CH Vijayashankar to block the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Trading by Non-Tribals) (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Shullai claims the bill violates fundamental rights and exceeds the Council's authority under the Sixth Schedule. He argues the law threatens equality and livelihood protections guaranteed by the Constitution.
The bill introduces the Non-Tribal Employees’ Service Licence. Employers must secure a No Objection Certificate from a Dorbar Shnong to hire outside workers in the unorganised sector. Critics worry this creates a messy, vague regulatory hurdle for businesses. The KHADC argues the move protects local jobs in commercial centers like Iewduh. Laban-Mawprem MDC Ricky Shullai insists the bill is misunderstood.
Defending the policy, the MDC said, “The objective is not to prevent non-tribals from working, but to ensure employment opportunities for local residents are protected.” The KHADC Executive Committee modeled these rules after the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council. They claim the license is necessary to manage the influx of labor. The Governor now holds the final say on whether the bill survives its legal challenge.
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