Shillong abattoir to be privatized

SHILLONG: The much-delayed Shillong abattoir at Mawiong is all set to go into private hands with the State government ready to invite bids for the slaughter house.
An official from the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department told The Shillong Times that the Expression of Interest (EOI) for privatisation of the Rs 22 crore slaughter house would be issued by next week and the entire process is likely to be completed by December.
Asked why the government was privatizing the slaughter house, the official said the government believes in the concept of supporting entrepreneurs but it does not open and run its own shop. According to the official, private investors in Meghalaya are ready to take over the project. The department is continuing with its training programme for the butchers since the entire setup of the abattoir is complex and it requires people with technical experience for its maintenance and operation, the official added.
Most of the bottlenecks have been removed and butchers have been trained for sheep and goats. Similar training will be held for slaughtering of pigs, the official said.
The official also downplayed the fears of a section of butchers saying the animals in the abattoir would have to be stunned before being slaughtered as per customs and practices.
Similar abattoirs are also scheduled to come up at Jowai and Tura.