Opposition leader backs Meghalaya move to license non-tribal workers

Shillong: Meghalaya Opposition Leader Titosstarwell Chyne is backing a controversial plan to force non-tribal workers to get service licenses. The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council wants the change. Chyne argues the Council has the power to act under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

The plan faces heat from Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai. Shullai asked the Governor to block the bill. He claims the Council is overstepping by regulating employees instead of just business owners. Chyne dismissed these legal worries during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Chyne pointed to past practices to justify the move. He noted the Council previously issued labor licenses before state law changes moved that duty elsewhere. He also cited his own time as Chief Executive Member, when the Council mandated clearance certificates for laborers. "The legislation is intended to regulate employees and labourers, whereas trading licences are meant specifically for business activities," Chyne said.

The Opposition leader remains firm. He expects Governor Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar to sign off on the bill soon. He maintains the Council holds the legal right to enforce these rules on workers within its jurisdiction.