Shillong: Meghalaya’s Labour department is targeting fake registration certificates and slips at state check gates. Labour Commissioner Banteilang Kharshandi issued the warning on September 30. He flagged widespread reports of bogus documents circulating across the region. The state maintains a strict registration mandate under the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Migrant Workers (MIRSS) Act and Rules, 2020.
Every migrant worker must possess a valid, official Registration Card. Contractors or employers bear the burden of ensuring compliance. Failure leads to steep penalties. The department stated, "The Labour Commissioner further cautioned that unauthorised duplication or alteration of documents or electronic records with fraudulent intent is punishable under Section 336 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)."
Workers must register online for a 50 rupee fee. Use the Labour Commissioner’s Portal or Invest Meghalaya Portal to apply. Applications are also accepted at District Labour Offices or Common Service Centres. New rules under the 2026 amendment require a Voter ID, Driving Licence, PAN card, or BPL card. Aadhaar cards are banned for this specific process. Applicants must also provide a police verification report. The state police use the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems for provisional checks, capping the wait time at 30 days.
Approved cards last 179 days. Renewals must start 30 days before the expiration date. Employers caught violating these rules face sliding fines. A first offense costs 10,000 rupees. A second offense hits 25,000 rupees. Repeat offenders risk 100,000 rupees in fines or three months of jail time. The department is monitoring all state entry points to stop the use of forged materials.
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