SHILLONG, SEPT 9: Labour Minister Methodius Dkhar on Wednesday said registration under the MIRSS Act is crucial for tracking and assisting migrant workers during emergencies, but cautioned that it should not be misused to harass workers or employers.

He was speaking after launching the amended Meghalaya Identification, Registration, Safety and Security of Migrant Workers (MIRSS) Rules, 2026, the e-payment gateway for fines, and the SOP for implementation of the Act at a state-level orientation programme held at Tara Ghar.

Dkhar said effective implementation will require close coordination between police, district administration, employers, contractors, trade unions and civil society.

“The Labour Department will play a central role and our focus will be on four areas – awareness, facilitation, inspection and enforcement,” he said.The Minister asked Deputy Commissioners to work closely with labour officials and said police have a vital role in enforcement.”Under the amended framework, there will be closer coordination between police and labour officials. Any complaint relating to harassment, intimidation, discrimination or physical injury against migrant workers should be promptly registered, investigated and dealt with as per law,” Dkhar said.

He also called for coordination with source states of migrant workers for verification, emergency assistance and welfare.

Stating that migrant workers contribute to construction, infrastructure, healthcare, hospitality, agriculture and manufacturing sectors, Dkhar said employers must ensure their safety and access to statutory benefits.

“Registration will help the government know where migrant workers are employed. But it should not create unnecessary barriers. The process must respect privacy and dignity and information collected must be used only for legitimate public purposes,” he said.

Commissioner and Secretary Dr B.D.R. Tiwari said the MIRSS Act was enacted in 2020, amended in 2024, and now strengthened through Rules 2026.

“This Act is for safety and security of migrant labourers coming from outside for temporary employment and simultaneously to protect employment and interests of local people. It is a national mandate implemented as state legislation,” Tiwari said.

He said the amended Rules provide a clear framework for registration through portal, stronger SOPs, identification of enforcement officers, and a robust penalty mechanism.

“The Labour Department alone cannot execute it. Home, Police and district administration will be on the ground for enforcement. So close coordination is required to secure intent of the Act and safety of both local and migrant workers,” Tiwari added.