SHILLONG, June 26: As the debate over the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council’s (KHADC) decision to deny a trading licence to quick-commerce platform Blinkit continues, many young people in Meghalaya are advocating a balanced approach that protects local businesses while embracing technological advancement.
Several youths felt that the issue should not be viewed as a choice between safeguarding traditional retailers and welcoming innovation. Instead, they argued that both objectives can coexist through well-regulated policies.
Nikita Sawain said that while online delivery platforms could affect local traders and even reduce revenue from annual trading licence renewals, they also provide significant convenience for the elderly, persons with illnesses or disabilities, busy parents, and consumers who prefer home delivery.
She pointed out that similar fears were raised when online shopping first gained popularity, yet commercial hubs such as Police Bazar continue to thrive.
Echoing similar sentiments, Nawaz Majid said rejecting Blinkit outright was disappointing and risked holding Meghalaya back while the rest of the country embraces technology-driven services. He argued that healthy competition often encourages local businesses to modernise and improve.
Aarti Lyngdoh stressed that protecting local livelihoods remains important, but said innovation should also be encouraged in a manner that benefits consumers, entrepreneurs, and the younger generation.
AK Dympep suggested that instead of resisting technological change, the government should explore regulated partnerships between digital platforms and local retailers, saying such models could create employment opportunities for local youth as delivery partners, warehouse staff and support personnel.
Natasha Sawian said Blinkit could work with neighbourhood grocery stores rather than replace them by allowing local retailers to sell through the platform while benefiting from digital technology and expanded market access.
On Thursday, KHADC Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh defended the council’s decision to deny Blinkit a trading licence, maintaining that quick-commerce platforms could threaten the livelihoods of more than 4,000 local grocery shops and the families dependent on them.
