Shillong, July 21: Non-governmental organisations in Meghalaya have protested against the policies of private industrial units in the state, which do not employ local residents and instead, bring in the workforce from outside.

The NGOs that have come out strongly against what they term the “faulty employment policy” of these industries include the Ri Bhoi Youth Federation and the Jaintia Youth Federation.

A good number of industrial units, which are engaged in manufacturing of ferro alloys, coke and cement, have come up in Ri Bhoi and Jaintia Hills district during the past three years. Most of these firms are owned by businessmen from outside the state.

Jaintia Youth Federation chairman L.D. Lakiang alleged that most of these industrial units “are exploiting incentives, such as subsidies, as well as the natural resources of the state without doing anything positive for the state and its people”.

Lakiang pointed an accusing finger at cement companies that have come up in the Jaintia hills. He said one such company recently held an interview in Guwahati and, in the process, “deprived local youths of job opportunities”. The interview was apparently held to recruit workers for operating its office.

The two federations have come together to float a co-ordination committee, the mandate of which will be to take up job-related issues. The co-ordination committee is likely to be supported by other NGOs who have also questioned the firms and their commitment to the state.

“Most of the companies, particularly cement manufacturing units and those in the ferro alloy business, are extracting raw materials from the state and garnering a lot of subsidies. But what are they giving back to the state?” asked a member of one of the NGOs, who has been closely monitoring the functioning of these units.

These industries are also enjoying tax holidays and other benefits offered by the state government.

While the two federations have decided to push for a “better deal” for local youths, fingers are being pointed at these industries for setting up offices in cities like Guwahati and Calcutta.

Lakiang pointed out that the fact that most industries located in Ri Bhoi and Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya had their head-offices in Guwahati and Calcutta was tantamount to depriving local youths of employment.

The NGO leader demanded that all head-offices of firms operating in the state be relocated either in Shillong or near the industrial unit itself. He claimed that at present there are at least 30 major industries in Ri Bhoi district and four in the Jaintia Hills district.

Lakiang said a delegation of the co-ordination committee would meet chief minister J.D. Rymbai on his return from New Delhi to discuss the issue. The chief minister also looks after the industries portfolio.

Representatives of some of the industrial units in the Jaintia hills did not wish to comment on the issue on the pretext that they were not aware of any allegations having been levelled against them. However, they gave the impression that they believed that they were not depriving local youths of employment opportunities.