SHILLONG: Executive Member (EM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Paul Lyngdoh said the practices followed previously by the Trade department for renewing licenses and processing application of fresh licenses was found to be flawed.
The EM’s comment came in the wake of a review that was held to discuss on the renewing licenses and processing applications for fresh licenses on Tuesday.
Addressing the press, he pointed to the Section 3A (d) of the United Khasi Jaintia (Trading by Non-Tribals) Regulation, 1954 under the “Conditions for granting or refusing a license” and said it was not followed. Section 3A (d) states “Whether the applicant is a permanent resident of the District.”
The EM also found that there were some Dorbar Shnong in the urban areas which are not familiar with the Act prompting them to give their recommendations for licenses to residents from outside the state such as to residents of Kokrajhar, Sivasagar, who give their residential address as Shillong.
Lyngdoh said such people should be categorised as “doubtful” in which discussion will be made whether to issue license or not.
As for renewing of licenses, the NoC issued to non-tribal traders should bear the signature of the secretary and headman of the respective Dorbar Shnong. He said a manual of instruction will also be prepared for the traditional heads to follow.
He also said that police verification was also made mandatory to know the antecedent of the applicant as per the Act.
Referring to license for local taxis, Lyngdoh said there was a need for trade license from KHADC as an anomaly found was that the state Transport department issue the permit and then the license from the Council is sought.
