Shillong: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council is tightening its grip on the local workforce. It is pushing a new bill to force all non-tribal laborers in the unorganized sector under its direct licensing control. The Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Trading by Non-Tribals) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aims to monitor workers brought into the state by private contractors.
KHADC Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh claims Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong prompted the move. The council wants to copy a model already used in the Jaintia Hills. The law introduces the Non-Tribal Employees’ Service Licence. Employers must secure this permit to hire outside help. It excludes government offices, banks, and defense sites to avoid immediate legal blowback.
The push has split the government. South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai is fighting back hard. He asked Governor C. H. Vijayashankar to block the bill. Shullai believes the plan is unconstitutional. He says the council is overstepping its Sixth Schedule powers. Despite the pushback, some council members are standing firm. MDC Ricky Shullai called the measure a minor update to trade rules. He insisted, "the focus remains strictly on regulating outside workers in the unorganized sector to address local concerns over unchecked influx."
Businesses now face a new hurdle. They must navigate added costs and fresh red tape. The council is betting this local control will curb the flow of workers. The legal fight is just getting started.
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