Shillong: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has passed the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Trading by Non-Tribals) (Amendment) Bill, 2026. This legislation modernizes the 1954 regulation by requiring employers to secure a Non-Tribal Employee’s Service Licence for every non-tribal worker or agent engaged in business within the district.
Employers must apply for these licences within 30 days of hiring. The application process requires an Elector Photo Identity Card, proof of permanent residence, two passport-sized photographs, and a formal recommendation from a village headman. Once submitted, the Licensing Officer has seven days to scrutinize the documents and must finalize the decision within 30 days.
Licences will remain valid for one year. Failure to renew the document within 30 days of its expiration will result in automatic cancellation. To ensure compliance, the Council has empowered officials to inspect business premises, provided they produce identification and written authorization before starting their checks.
The bill also establishes a formal grievance process, allowing dissatisfied applicants to appeal decisions to the concerned Executive Member or the Executive Committee. Following consultations with state authorities, the Council removed existing provisions that previously overlapped with the state government's Labour Clearance Certificate system.
Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh noted that the legislation was originally planned for a previous session. He stated, "The Bill was originally slated for the previous session but was deferred following the demise of Shillong MP Ricky A.J. Syngkon." The bill now moves to the Governor, via the District Council Affairs Department, to receive the formal assent required for it to take effect.
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