SHILLONG : The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has passed an amendment Bill making it mandatory for employers to obtain a Non-Tribal Employee’s Service Licence for every non-tribal employee or agent engaged in any trade or business within the Khasi Hills region.
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Trading by Non-Tribals) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed on the final day of the Council’s Summer Session on Friday and will now be sent to the Governor for assent before becoming law. The amendment seeks to strengthen regulation of non-tribal employees working in business establishments and introduces a separate licensing system for non-tribal workers and agents employed across the district. Under the new provisions, any person or firm employing a non-tribal employee or agent will be required to obtain a Non-Tribal Employee’s Service Licence within 30 days of employment.The Bill defines the licence as a mandatory authorisation issued to a non-tribal employee or agent engaged in trade or business activities within the Khasi Hills Autonomous District.
Applicants will be required to submit an Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC), two passport-size photographs, a recommendation from the concerned village headman, proof of permanent residence and other supporting documents. The Licensing Officer will scrutinise applications within seven days and is required to dispose of them within 30 days from the date of submission. The amendment also introduces a structured appeal mechanism. Any applicant aggrieved by the decision of the Licensing Officer may appeal before the concerned Executive Member, with a further appeal lying before the Executive Committee. The licence will remain valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Failure to apply for renewal within 30 days from the date of expiry will result in automatic cancellation of the licence.
The new law further empowers Licensing Officers and authorised Council officials to inspect business establishments and verify whether non-tribal employees possess valid service licences. Officials conducting inspections will be required to identify themselves and produce written authorisation while carrying out such duties. According to KHADC, the amendment also removes provisions that overlapped with the Labour Clearance Certificate (LCC) system operated by the state government following consultations between the Council and the government.
Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh said the Bill had initially been scheduled for introduction during the previous session but was deferred following the demise of Shillong MP Ricky A.J. Syngkon. Once assented to by the Governor, the amendment is expected to bring all non-tribal employees and agents working in trade and business establishments within the Khasi Hills under a dedicated licensing framework monitored by the Council.