Nongpoh, August 6: The Civil Society Women’s Organisation (CSWO) has expressed concern over the increasing number of workers from outside Meghalaya being employed in factories and infrastructure projects across the state, saying many of these jobs could be performed by local residents.
Speaking on the issue, CSWO Secretary Christabel Wanniang said the growing influx of workers from outside the state has remained a long-standing concern among the indigenous people of Meghalaya.
Referring to a recent visit to an automobile manufacturing unit at Umsning Lumnongrim in Ri Bhoi district, Wanniang said that although the workers possessed the necessary legal documents, the larger concern was the increasing interaction between outside workers and local communities.
She alleged that by allowing outside workers to stay and work within villages, traditional local authorities inadvertently create opportunities for closer social interaction with local youth, including Khasi women. She argued that criticism directed solely at Khasi women over inter-community marriages is misplaced and that village leaders also bear responsibility for permitting outside workers to reside in their jurisdictions.
Wanniang further stated that employing workers from outside the state in jobs that could be undertaken by local people contributes to unemployment among Meghalaya’s indigenous population.
She also expressed concern over public safety, saying that the identities and backgrounds of many incoming workers are not widely known to local communities. Referring to past incidents involving crimes against women and children allegedly committed by individuals from outside the state, she urged authorities to strengthen monitoring and verification mechanisms while ensuring the safety of local residents.
The CSWO secretary called for greater priority to be given to local employment and urged all stakeholders, including government agencies and traditional institutions, to safeguard the interests of the indigenous people while ensuring that the law is followed.
