SHILLONG, June 24: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has defended its decision to deny a trading licence to quick-commerce platform Blinkit, saying it would threaten the livelihood of thousands of local grocery shop owners.
KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh said the Executive Committee remains firm in its stand. He noted that although Blinkit reportedly secured a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Dorbar Shnong and Rangbah Shnong of Nongrim Hills, the company’s application has not yet reached his office.
“If Blinkit comes here with a model that threatens the livelihood of indigenous people, the Executive Committee will not grant a trading licence,” Lyngdoh asserted.
He pointed out that quick-commerce platforms offering heavy discounts and doorstep delivery could severely impact over 4,000 grocery shops under KHADC jurisdiction. These local businesses provide crucial employment to youth and support families. The council had earlier denied licences to similar ventures like Instamart and other home-delivery models.
Lyngdoh justified the council’s approval of a trading licence to Alaya Cafe & Bar, which will operate from the same Lumsohphoh, Nongthymmai premises where Blinkit previously functioned before shutting down. He said the decision followed representations from local grocery associations warning of threats to indigenous traders.
The CEM clarified that Alaya Cafe & Bar is a legitimate local venture involving a partnership between businessman Manish Agarwal and a Khasi woman from Laitumkhrah. Agarwal’s family has lived in Meghalaya for years and runs a hardware business operating for over two decades. All documents were scrutinised, and necessary local approvals obtained.
Lyngdoh cited a April 2025 notification directing Dorbar Shnongs not to issue NOCs indiscriminately to outsiders in sectors where locals can manage the activities.
Responding to criticism from Shella MDC Barikupar Synrem, Lyngdoh rejected claims of indiscriminate licensing. He presented figures showing that while previous councils issued over 200 licences annually in 2021-22 and 2022-23, the current EC issued only 99 in its first year and around 30 so far this year, many to government project contractors.
Protecting local businesses and employment remains the council’s priority, he emphasised.
