Shillong, Jan 11: The Meghalaya state cabinet has approved several pivotal measures aimed at boosting worker welfare, promoting gender equality, and enhancing administrative efficiency. These key decisions were made during the cabinet’s latest meeting in Sohra and include wage hikes, workplace reforms, and significant amendments to existing policies.
A primary highlight was the approval of increased daily wages across various skill categories. Unskilled workers will now receive Rs. 525 per day, up from Rs. 419, while semi-skilled workers will earn Rs. 565, an increase from Rs. 474. Skilled workers will see their wages raised to Rs. 605, up from Rs. 530, and highly skilled workers will now earn Rs. 654, up from Rs. 586. This revision demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of workers in the state.
In a progressive move toward gender inclusivity, the cabinet amended the Meghalaya Factories Rules 1980 to allow women to work night shifts, following central government guidelines. Meghalaya now becomes the second state in the Northeast, after Assam, to introduce this provision. Employers will be required to implement strict safety measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras and ensuring a secure working environment for women working night shifts.
The cabinet also approved the regularization of 850 ad hoc employees who were appointed before 2007 but had been left out of the 2022 regularization list. Additionally, financial powers have been delegated to Executive Engineers in the Fisheries Department to expedite approval for smaller projects, and the Meghalaya Ceiling on Government Guarantees Bills 2025 has been approved to ease access to loans for public sector undertakings and cooperatives.
Further reforms include the amendment of the Meghalaya Building and Other Construction Workers Rules 2008 to enhance welfare benefits such as medical aid, education support, and pensions for registered laborers. The cabinet also relaxed the Assured Career Progression Scheme (ACPS) for government employees, allowing financial benefits without the creation of additional posts.
In line with fiscal recommendations, the cabinet set the state’s borrowing limit at 3.5% of GSDP for 2024-25, in accordance with the 15th Finance Commission’s guidelines. Direct land purchases have been approved for the New Shillong Water Supply Scheme, and government employees undergoing organ transplants will now be eligible for extended leave.
Lastly, the cabinet repealed the Meghalaya Civil Service (Commutation of Pension) Rules 1992, simplifying the pension process for retirees.
These decisions reflect the Meghalaya government’s ongoing efforts to improve governance, enhance worker welfare, and foster gender equality in the workplace. The impact of these changes is expected to be seen in the coming months.
