Concerns Raised Over KHADC's New Employment License Requirement for Non-Tribals
BJP Minister Challenges KHADC's Employment Regulation
A file image of Meghalaya cabinet minister Sanbor Shullai. (Photo:@BJP4Meghalaya/X)
Shillong, June 30: Sanbor Shullai, a BJP legislator and Cabinet Minister, has voiced strong opposition to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council's (KHADC) recent decision requiring non-tribal employers to secure a service license for hiring non-tribals, claiming it infringes on fundamental rights.
Shullai has reached out to Meghalaya's Governor, CH Vijayashankar, requesting that he refrain from approving the bill, which he argues contravenes various constitutional rights.
He emphasized that no governing body should have the unchecked authority to regulate or jeopardize the livelihoods of legitimate residents.
The KHADC has enacted the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Trading by Non-Tribals) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, mandating that non-tribal employers obtain a service license for each non-tribal employee within a 30-day timeframe. This license will only be valid for one year.
Currently, non-tribal business operators in the state are already required to obtain a trading license from the council, and this new regulation adds further bureaucratic hurdles.
In a memorandum, Shullai expressed serious concerns regarding the bill, stating that it significantly exceeds the council's jurisdiction.
He labeled the bill as ultra vires, asserting that the KHADC has overstepped its authority as defined in para 10 of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, noting that the original 1954 Act was intended solely for regulating trade by non-tribals.
Shullai pointed out that non-tribal traders have adhered to various laws and regulations set forth by both the state government and the district council.
He argued that extending regulatory oversight from independent traders to corporate employees encroaches upon areas beyond the council's constitutional scope, urging the Governor to deny his assent to the bill.