Shillong, Nov 22: The All Jaintia Muster Roll Workers & Labour Union (CEC), Jowai, along with over a hundred Muster Roll workers from Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills working across various government departments, held a public gathering at Malki Playground, Shillong, demanding long overdue benefits and fair treatment from the Meghalaya Government.
During the meeting, the workers expressed deep concern over years of hardship, insecure employment conditions, and the absence of welfare support. After extensive deliberation, they formed a Joint Action Committee (JAC) to formally present their grievances to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and the State Government.
In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, the JAC said that Muster Roll workers serve in frontline roles—on roads, in government offices, and essential service sectors—yet remain deprived of security, legal protection, and financial stability. Calling themselves the “building bricks” of the State, they stated that continued neglect has pushed them into severe livelihood distress.
The JAC demanded the immediate release of pending floor rate arrears from October 2023 to December 2024 and enhancement of the Variable Dearness Allowance effective from October 2025. They highlighted rising costs of essential commodities, transportation, school fees, and LPG, noting that many workers do not even receive Public Distribution System benefits.
Other key demands include fixing the retirement age of Muster Roll employees at 65 years, category upgrades for workers who have completed over five years of service, strict implementation of the Meghalaya Regular Casual Workers (RCW) Scheme, 1996, and inclusion of Muster Roll employees under the Employee Provident Fund as per the EPF & MP Act, 1952.
The JAC has given the government time until December 10, 2025, to respond, warning that they will intensify their agitation if their demands remain unresolved.
The workers called for immediate intervention, stating that they seek dignity, fairness, and rightful protection for thousands of Muster Roll workers who have dedicated years of service to the State.
