Workers under the banner of the Joint Action Committee Muster Roll Workers Union (JACMRWU) expressed satisfaction after meeting with the Chief Minister of the state, Conrad K. Sangma, regarding their demands.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, JACMRWU leader, Bah Khroo L. Pariat, said that the Chief Minister acknowledged the delay in implementing their demands, including the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), which is intended to revise wages twice a year. He informed that the government is expected to issue a notification on this in the coming days.
Regarding the retirement age, the Chief Minister assured that it would be examined, as there is confusion among departments. While the retirement age of 58 applies to government employees, muster roll workers fall under a different category as casual laborers.
Regarding payment to muster roll workers after retirement, the Chief Minister assured that the matter would be thoroughly examined. He also promised to look into the Regular Casual Worker (RCW) policy, stating that muster roll workers who have served for more than 10 years should be regularized.
At the same time, the Chief Minister expressed shock upon learning that muster roll workers in the textiles department, particularly in Weaving and Sericulture, are paid only once a year. He termed the situation unfortunate, noting that these workers are the backbone supporting departmental officers.
The union also raised the issue of including muster roll workers under the Employee Provident Fund (EPF), which has not yet been implemented for them in Meghalaya.
Following these assurances from the Chief Minister, the muster roll workers have decided to temporarily suspend their planned agitation and wait until the end of April. If their demands are not met, they will resume their protest.