SHILLONG: The KHADC Executive Member-in-charge Trade, Latiplang Kharkongor said that the Executive Committee is coming up with an amendment in the existing Trading by Non-Tribal Regulations, 1954 by inserting more stringent clauses which would enable the Council to regulate the trade by the non-tribal businessmen in a better and effective manner.
“We have laid down 19 terms and conditions which the non-tribal businessmen would have to adhere for getting of the trading license from the Council,” Kharkongor said while replying to the cut motion on the fifth day of the Council Summer Session on Monday.
He said that they have taken these steps to protect the interest of the local indigenous business from various kinds of exploitation.
Moreover, EM in charge Trade said that it is wrong to conclude that the EC have rushed in its decision in cancelling of the trading licenses and closing of the shops of the non-tribal businessmen in Iewduh.
“We have thoroughly examined the matter and even issued show cause notices to the concerned non-tribal traders. We have taken this drastic step after they did not pay any heed to the notice issued by the Council,” Kharkongor said.
He also said that they would continue to cancel the trading license of the non-tribal businessmen who failed to comply with the various formalities as laid down by the Council.
EM in charge Trade also said that the EC would continue to work in close coordination with the various local Dorbar Shnong while holding of the checking of trading licenses.
Meanwhile, Kharkongor expressed concerned that the number of local businessman and non-tribal businessmen is also equal in Iewduh. “We have issued necessary directives to the Syiem of Mylliem not to issue any more fresh NOC to the non-tribal businessmen in Iewduh,” he said.
EM in charge trade also expressed concern over the presence of the large number of hawkers in areas under the Council.
“The presence of these hawkers has caused a lot of inconvenience to the local people,” Kharkongor said.
Earlier, Laitumkhrah MDC Antonio War questioned the decision of the EC to put a blanket ban on issuing of fresh trading licenses.
“I do not think this is a right approach. What is important for the Council is to regulate all the trade and business activities of non-tribal traders,” War said.
He also fears that the non-tribal businessmen might drag the Council to court if the decision to deny them the trading license was unjustified.
“The Council would have to unnecessarily spend several lakhs in contesting the litigation filed by the non-tribal businessmen. I would suggest that the Council to first study the case before deciding to scrap or deny the trading license of any non-tribal businessmen,” Laitumkhrah MDC said.
He also suggested that the Council should regulate the hawkers by issuing them trading license. “This will help in generating revenue for the Council,” War said.
