By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 28: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has been asked to immediately halt issuance of trading and labour licences to non-tribal contractors.
Led by association president Banshai Marbaniang, vice president Pynsuk Nongkynrih, secretary Rofello Khongwar and organising secretary Amos Wahlang, the Meghalaya State Council of Contractors & Suppliers Welfare Association called on KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh to submit a formal memorandum and outline their concerns.
During the meeting, the association emphasised that government and departmental contract works, whether funded by the state or the Centre, can be efficiently handled by capable local tribal contractors. It urged KHADC to strictly enforce existing laws to ensure that indigenous contractors are prioritised and protected from unfair competition and illegal approvals.
Expressing serious concern, the association alleged that several state departments have been approving non-tribal contractors and companies without transparency, while local tribal contractors face excessive scrutiny and documentary hurdles that discourage their participation.
The association also criticised the practice of awarding contracts, including original works and renovations, to outside companies and non-tribal contractors without accountability, calling it a violation of the protections provided under the KHADC Acts, particularly the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation, 1954.
In this regard, the association has urged the KHADC leadership to initiate an investigation into these irregularities, ensure compliance with existing laws and safeguard the economic interests of the indigenous Khasi population.
