SHILLONG, June 28: Blaming the KHADC for handing over a “dilapidated” and “non-functional” facility despite an investment of Rs 9.47 crore, the Centre of Learning, Knowledge and Services (COLKS) on Sunday hit back at Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh, claiming the high-profile Khasi Traditional Medicine Institute lacked basic electricity and water months after its lease was signed.
The rebuttal follows a KHADC Summer Session where the CEM questioned COLKS’ failure to operationalise the Lum Sohpetbneng facility nearly two years after the takeover. The CEM had described the site as neglected and unstaffed, noting that the Council had received no revenue from the Rs 6 lakh annual rent agreement.
COLKS, however, maintains that the premises were handed over in July 2024 without essential utilities. According to the organisation, the site lacked a power connection, regular water supply, and boundary fencing at the time of transfer. They claim electricity was only provided in February 2025, while water issues persist.
Regarding the unpaid revenue, COLKS admitted it sought an 18-month moratorium on rent due to the building’s condition. While this “rent holiday” was not formally incorporated into the lease agreement, the firm insists the Council had verbally agreed to an extension until December 2025. COLKS termed the CEM’s allegations of ignored payment reminders as “completely fabricated.”
The firm further attributed delays to external setbacks, including a burglary in June 2025 and a lightning strike the following month. They claimed the strike caused extensive electrical damage because the Rs 9.47 crore facility lacked a proper earthing system.
Responding to the CEM’s claim that the Khasi Traditional Medicine Commission (KTMC) was bypassed, COLKS stated the project was awarded through a transparent Expression of Interest (EOI) in September 2023. They noted that the KTMC was only reconstituted months after the bidding process had already commenced.
While the KHADC portrays the firm as an unresponsive tenant, COLKS alleges the Council itself became “non-responsive” after December 2025. The organisation expressed disappointment that the project—intended to preserve indigenous healing systems—is being politicised despite their documented efforts to train staff and engage stakeholders.
With nearly Rs 10 crore in public funds at stake, the facility remains a shell of its intended purpose as both the Council and the private firm trade blame over infrastructural failures and “non-incorporated” agreements.
