Raphael Warjri

The Civil Society of Women’s Organisation (CSWO) has come down heavily on village headmen for allegedly facilitating the entry of non-tribal workers into localities, even as women are subsequently blamed when such workers settle down through marriage.

CSWO Secretary Christabell Wanniang made the statement following an inspection conducted by the organisation at a vehicle manufacturing unit at Lumnongrim Dewlieh in Ri-Bhoi district on 6 August, where the CSWO observed that a sizeable number of workers were not indigenous residents of Meghalaya.

Wanniang said the organisation has, for the moment, refrained from initiating any action against the establishment, but maintained that the CSWO would conduct a detailed inquiry into the presence and employment of non-tribal workers at the unit.

Speaking to media persons, she questioned the practice of putting the blame squarely on women for marrying non-tribal men, arguing that the role of village authorities in allowing outsiders to enter and work in localities also needs to come under scrutiny.

She alleged that in several instances, village headmen or local authorities permit non-tribal workers to enter and take up employment, after which some eventually settle in the locality through marriage. However, the subsequent criticism is often directed towards women.

The CSWO Secretary further pointed out that a number of jobs currently being undertaken by non-tribal workers could be taken up by local residents, yet several establishments continue to engage workers from outside the state.

Wanniang stressed that the issue warrants a closer examination of the mechanism through which non-tribal workers are permitted to enter, reside and work in localities, while calling for greater accountability among local authorities.