KHADC to prepare instruction manual for Dorbar Shnong
SHILLONG: Following detection of flaws in the process of issuing fresh trading licenses and renewal of old ones, the Trade department of the KHADC will now prepare a manual of instructions and send it to the various Dorbar Shnong.
Following a review meeting on Tuesday, KHADC Executive Member (EM) Paul Lyngdoh said the practices followed previously by the Trade department were found to be flawed.
Addressing the press on Tuesday, he pointed to 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 that the same was not followed previously.
Lyngdoh said some Dorbar Shnong in the urban areas were not familiar with Section 3A (d) which states “Whether the applicant is a permanent resident of the district”, and were giving their recommendations for trade licenses to residents from outside the state.
He revealed that some applicants, who hailed from Kokrajhar and Sibsagar and had given their residential address as Shillong, were being given recommendations by the Dorbar Shnong.
Lyngdoh said such people should be categorised as “doubtful” and discussions should be held on whether to issue license to such applicants.
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 also said that police verification will be mandatory to know the antecedent of the applicant.
Referring to license for local taxis, Lyngdoh said there is a need for trade license from KHADC to plug an anomaly whereby the State Transport department issue permits and then the applicant seeks license.
He said the spirit of the Act is not revenue generation but to prevent trading by non-tribals and to allow trade by tribals as mentioned in Section 3 A (b) that states, “Whether there is any tribal who carries on the same trade or is willing to carry on such trade for which the application of license is made.”