GANGTOK: In a significant move aimed at improving the welfare of its substantial migrant workforce, the Sikkim government has issued a stern directive to all companies operating within the Himalayan state, compelling them to provide appropriate accommodation and essential facilities. The mandate, issued on Wednesday by Labour Secretary Bhim Thatal, underscores the state’s commitment to upholding the rights and well-being of the estimated 50,000 migrant workers contributing to Sikkim’s economy.
The directive explicitly calls upon employers to adhere to Section 16 (d) of the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 1983, which necessitates the provision of suitable residential accommodation for all migrant workers on their payrolls. Secretary Thatal emphasised the critical need for such provisions, stating, “There is a need to ensure suitable residential accommodation to migrant workers in order to facilitate their wellbeing and to uphold their rights for safe, healthy and hygienic living conditions during employment, giving due importance to their mental health.”
The directive targets a wide spectrum of establishments, including plant heads, project managers, general managers, HR managers, contractors, service providers, pharmaceutical companies, distilleries, and other commercial entities functioning across Sikkim. This broad application reflects the government’s comprehensive approach to ensuring compliance across all sectors employing migrant labour.
Secretary Thatal further elaborated on the Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s recent emphasis on the dire need for better living conditions for migrant workers. He noted that many currently reside in cramped quarters due to financial constraints, a situation that severely impacts their mental health. Beyond accommodation, the Labour Secretary also stressed the importance of regular wage payments, free medical facilities, and adequate protective clothing at the workplace for these employees, who often face unique challenges working away from their native states in different socio-economic environments. All companies have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the directive and to submit a comprehensive compliance report without delay.
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