On January 3, 2025, the Government of Meghalaya introduced the Draft Meghalaya Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Rules 2024 under the framework of the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code 2020. This draft has been shared with the public for review, and the government is inviting suggestions and objections from all stakeholders.
Key Points of the Draft Rules:
The newly drafted rules apply to all factories, establishments, buildings, and other construction works within the state. This broad scope ensures that a wide range of industries and workplaces are covered by the new guidelines. It is important to note that these rules are designed to improve occupational safety and working conditions across various sectors in Meghalaya.
Timeline for Public Feedback:
The Meghalaya government has set a 45-day window for public feedback. The period for objections and suggestions will close after 45 days from the publication of this notice in the official gazette (February 17, 2025)
Anyone interested in providing input can do so by submitting their suggestions to the Deputy Secretary at the Department of Labour, Employment & Skill Development in Shillong. Other concerns or comments can be sent to the government at labourdeptt.sect@gmail.com.
Core Areas Covered in the Draft Rules:
The rules are divided into several comprehensive chapters, each addressing critical aspects of occupational safety, health, and working conditions:
Chapter II: Registration of Establishment – Establishments will be required to register under the new rules.
Chapter III: Duties of Employer and Employee – Clearly defines the responsibilities of both employers and employees.
Chapter IV: Occupational Safety and Health – Outlines the safety standards and health protocols to be followed in workplaces.
Chapter V: Hours of Work and Annual Leave with Wages – Specifies the working hours and provisions for annual leave with wages.
Chapter VI: Maintenance of Registers, Records, and Returns – Establishes the need for proper documentation in workplaces.
Chapter VII: Inspector-cum-Facilitator and Other Authorities – Details the roles of the authorities responsible for enforcing these rules.
Chapter VIII: Special Provisions – Includes additional measures or conditions for specific sectors or situations.
Chapter IX: Offences and Penalties – Lists penalties for non-compliance with the regulations.
Chapter X: Social Security Fund – Establishes a fund to provide support and security to workers.
Chapter XI: Miscellaneous – Covers various other provisions and conditions that apply across all sectors.
The draft rules also introduce new forms that establishments will need to adopt for compliance, particularly for registration, documentation, and reporting.
