Muster roll workers seek release of 2 months pending wages before Behdieñkhlam

SHILLONG, JUN 10: The Joint Action Committee of Muster Roll Workers Union has urged the Chief Engineer, PWD Roads Shillong, to urgently release wages pending since April 1-May 31, 2026, citing severe distress ahead of the Behdienkhlam festival of the Niamtre faith.

JACMRWU Chairperson Daïoowanphi Iakai said workers have not received any pay despite continuing duty.

“On humanitarian ground, the Joint Action Committee of Muster Roll Workers Union would like to bring to your kind information the catastrophic crisis facing by the Muster roll workers engaged at your department, for the last two agonizing months w.e.f. 01 April to 31st May 2026. The dedicated strong daily minimum wage workers have been forced toil without receiving a single rupee of their hard-earned wages. While they continue to give their sweat, blood, and tears to their duties, they have been left entirely empty-handed, pushed into a dark, suffocating abyss of unprecedented misery and humiliation,” Iakai stated.

The union said families are under financial and mental stress, with unpaid rent, school fees, and mounting ration bills as shopkeepers stop extending credit.

“The delay of payment of wages has pushed many workers and their families into severe financial and mental distress, where house rents remain unpaid and are facing constant pressure from landlords and adding their children’s school fees. Furthermore, workers have been forced to purchase essential commodities, etc on credit from local shops. The outstanding ration bills continue to accumulate, and many shopkeepers are now reluctant even to extend further credit,” the representation noted.

Citing Finance Department OM dated July 7, 2020 on timely wage disbursement, JACMRWU also sought release of VDA arrears from April 2026, EPF benefits, Group D appointments, and regularization under the Meghalaya Regular Casual Workers Scheme, 1996. With Behdienkhlam scheduled July 6-9 in Jowai and July 14-17 in Raij Tuber, the union appealed for payment before the festival.

“…(We) request your good office to kindly intervene and take immediate necessary action for the release of the pending wages of the muster roll workers at the earliest and particularly before the Behdienkhlam celebration beginning from the 06th July-09 July 2026 of Jowai and 14 July 17 July 2026 of Raij Tuber, the workers belonging to the Niamtre the indigenous faith particularly of Jaintia region will get chance to celebrate the Behdienkhlam with their family like any others members of the community,” the representation said.

Also Read: Johns Hopkins begins review of Meghalaya health reforms

Also Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Meghalaya’s iconic pitcher plant survives in medicine cabinets, but not in young minds: Study