While the KHADC took a firm stand to shut down Blinkit’s operations—citing the protection of local interests—a bar and restaurant is now functioning from the exact same location
~ MDC Barikupar Synrem
SHILLONG, June 21: The KHADC executive committee is facing a crisis of credibility as the Opposition flags a glaring double standard in the Council’s trading licence policy. Shella MDC Barikupar Synrem has demanded a clarification from Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh over “selective enforcement” that appears to favour non-local traders and specific commercial interests over indigenous entrepreneurs.
Synrem pointed to a sharp contradiction at the Jingkieng Nongthymmai premises that formerly housed the quick-commerce service, Blinkit. While the Council took a firm stand to shut down Blinkit’s operations—citing the protection of local interests—a bar and restaurant is now functioning from the exact same location.
“If the Council deemed it necessary to act against Blinkit, questions naturally arise as to how another commercial establishment has been allowed to operate from the same location,” Synrem said, noting that the move has triggered public suspicion regarding the Council’s regulatory consistency.
The Opposition MDC further alleged that despite the CEM’s repeated assurances to reserve certain trades for indigenous Khasi residents, the Council continues to issue trading licences to non-locals for businesses that locals are fully capable of operating.
Synrem also highlighted a breakdown in the Council’s authority over village administrations. He questioned the effectiveness of a KHADC directive barring village authorities from issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for bonded warehouses and wine stores, claiming that at least two bonded warehouses remain operational despite the ban.
Maintaining that these inconsistencies suggest a dilution of the Sixth Schedule’s intent, Synrem urged the CEM to provide a transparent account of the Council’s licensing decisions. He stressed that a clear explanation is essential to reassure the public that policies are being implemented uniformly and are not being bypassed through back-door arrangements.
