By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The CEM of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) P Syiem on Thursday said the Council would come up with a decision regarding the ‘illegal notification’ issued for availing trading license by the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB).
Talking to a group of journalists here on Thursday, Syiem said the District Council Secretary has been directed to avail the copy of the notification so that the Council’s Executive Committee could come up with a specific decision on the matter.
It is learnt that the CEO of SMB has issued a notification directing all persons (both tribals and non-tribals) running shops and all types of business transactions in the areas falling within SMB to procure valid trading licenses
According to a Supreme Court ruling passed on December 10, 1999, it was clearly stated that the KHADC is the only authority who has the power to issue trading licenses as per the United Khasi Jaintia Hills District (Trading by Non-Tribals) Regulation Act 1954 and 1959, as enshrined within the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
As per the Act, all tribals traders are free to carry on their trades or business without having to procure trading license.