Sikkim: Namchi tightens grip on migrant influx, labor registration

Namchi District is taking decisive action to monitor the increasing influx of migrant workers and ensure proper labor registration. District Collector Anupa Tamling chaired a meeting at the District Administrative Centre (DAC) today, bringing together key officials to address the pressing issue.

The meeting, attended by the ADC (HQ), SDM (HQ), ASP Namchi, SDMs, BDOs, MEOs, Special Branch Police, and Labour Department officials, focused on strengthening mechanisms to regulate the entry and employment of migrant workers. DC Tamling expressed concern over the rising number of migrants entering the state, particularly laborers, and emphasized the need for heightened vigilance.

"We must ensure that the influx of migrant workers is managed effectively and that all necessary registrations are in place," stated DC Tamling. She directed authorities to strictly enforce the Sikkim Labour (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services) Act 2021 and the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act 1979. These acts are designed to protect the rights of migrant workers while also regulating their employment.

A key decision made during the meeting was the implementation of stricter checks at entry points. Authorities will not only record the entry data of laborers but also meticulously track their exit, ensuring a comprehensive record of their movement within the district. DC Tamling emphasized the importance of this tracking, stating that "the department shall diligently keep track of such entry and whereabouts in the district."

Special attention will be paid to the immigration of women and children. Any such instances must be immediately reported to the Women and Child Development Department and the DCPU Namchi. This measure aims to protect vulnerable populations from potential exploitation.

Addressing the challenge of tracking laborers within the district, it was decided that any labor registered in Namchi District will be permitted to work only within the district. Laborers entering Namchi for work must obtain registration within the district itself. This measure seeks to improve accountability and prevent workers from moving undetected between different areas.

The issue of child labor was also a central point of discussion. DC Tamling stressed the absolute prohibition of child labor and called for thorough investigations into registration and verification processes at hotels, restaurants, and for domestic work. "Proper investigation should take place in regard to registration and verification in hotels, restaurants, and for household work purposes," she stated.

Further measures include mandatory CCTV surveillance in all shops, including medical stores and hotels, to monitor activities and ensure transparency. The DC also addressed the issue of unidentified beggars, instructing that they be immediately reported to the nearest police station. Landlords will be required to maintain accurate information about their tenants and verify their addresses.

Restrictions were also placed on hawkers' licenses, limiting them to designated "haat days" and prohibiting door-to-door sales, especially in rural areas. Meat shops will be permitted to display only a single signboard stating "MEAT SHOP," without specifying the types of meat available. All shops must display their original licenses, and authorities will ensure that single licenses are not used to operate multiple shops.

To facilitate information sharing and coordination, the Labour Department will provide daily reports and lists of registered laborers to the district administration, district police, and Special Branch. A district-level Flying Squad will be formed for inspections, and SDMs and BDOs will establish similar squads at the sub-division and block levels. Surprise checks and raids will be conducted regularly, and stringent action will be taken against those who fail to comply with the rules.