Gujarat government has announced a new mandate requiring all workers to provide identification proof, as part of a standard operating procedure (SOP) for workforce verification.
The move comes in response to security concerns, particularly following a crackdown on illegal immigrants in the state.
Under the new guidelines, employers across all sectors—including corporations, small businesses, labor contractors, and households employing domestic help—must collect and submit copies of workers’ identification documents to the nearest police station. Failure to comply will result in penal action.
Background and Security Concerns
The decision follows recent security operations targeting illegal immigrants, particularly those suspected of criminal activities.
Gujarat Police recently detained nearly 890 individuals in Ahmedabad and 134 in Surat, with authorities confirming that some detainees had links to criminal networks.
Officials cited the arrest of a Bangladeshi national, who had obtained an Indian passport using forged documents, as a key factor in implementing the new ID verification system.
The government believes that mandatory documentation will help prevent espionage, fraud, and anti-national activities.
Implementation of the SOP for Gujarat Employees
The SOP mandates employers to collect and maintain records of identification documents, including:
- Aadhaar card
- Ration card
- Voter ID card
- Other government-issued identity proofs
Employers must submit copies of these documents to the nearest police station, ensuring that all workers are accounted for.
Employers will not be held responsible if a worker submits forged documents. However, they must ensure they follow the submission protocol to remain compliant.
Gujarat Government and Industry Reactions
The Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, chaired a high-level meeting with top police officials, including commissioners and district superintendents, to discuss the implementation strategy.
Authorities have confirmed that instructions regarding the new guidelines have been communicated to all police departments.
Officials also revealed plans to develop a technological solution that will consolidate employee data on a single platform, making verification more efficient.
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