NONGPOH, March 26: A storm of controversy has erupted in Ri-Bhoi as long-standing local vendors, who have faithfully supplied food during elections for decades, have allegedly been sidelined in favour of an ‘outsider’.
The Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi, Arpit Upadhyaya, stands accused of favouritism after rejecting tenders from local vendors in favour of awarding the contract to a non-tribal from Shillong, who allegedly had not even participated in the tendering process.
Thirteen vendors, backed by the Ri Bhoi Youth Welfare Organisation (RBYWO), descended upon the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, demanding answers and the immediate cancellation of the controversial contract. Traditionally, locals have been given preference in supplying food for elections, whether it pertains to the Lok Sabha, State Assembly, or District Council polls. However, this time, the process has deviated from the norm, sparking outrage among the community.
Speaking to the media persons after inspecting the food stall of the non-tribal contractor at the Circuit House Nongpoh and meeting with the Deputy Commissioner, the local vendors expressed their frustration and disbelief at the handling of the tender process. They accused the Deputy Commissioner of acting like a dictator, showing no regard for the interests of the local populace.
The vendors revealed that they were subjected to rigorous criteria before tendering, including health and food safety certifications. Despite meeting these requirements, they were shocked to discover that their bids had been overlooked in favour of an outsider.
Moreover, during their visit to the non-tribal vendor’s stall, they were alarmed to find frozen foods being served, which they described as ‘plastic foods’. They also noted the contradiction that bottled mineral waters were being sold, despite being instructed during the tendering process not to serve frozen foods and bottled mineral water but only fresh foods.
Adding insult to injury, the vendors highlighted the disparity in treatment, noting that they were always required to set up their own stalls in inconvenient locations, often above drainage systems, and were responsible for their own water and electricity connections. However, for the first time in the history of Ri-Bhoi during elections, the Circuit House Nongpoh was granted to the non-tribal vendor, complete with free electricity, water connection, and access to a part of the kitchen, raising questions of preferential treatment.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the Deputy Commissioner’s response, the vendors alleged that their tenders were rejected due to inflated rates, despite traditionally being invited to negotiate rates in previous elections.
They suspect collusion between the Deputy Commissioner and the non-tribal contractor, demanding immediate cancellation of the contract and reinstatement of local preference.
In a united front, the RBYWO pledged unwavering support to the local vendors, condemning the unprecedented treatment of the community. They echoed the vendors’ demands for the cancellation of the contract, warning of escalated protests if their grievances remain unaddressed.
