SHILLONG, July 16: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) on Thursday opposed the state government’s proposed vehicle scrapping facility tender, alleging that its eligibility criteria are biased against local entrepreneurs and could benefit large companies from outside Meghalaya.
Addressing a press conference, KHNAM working president Thomas Passah said the Office of the Commissioner of Transport had floated a Request for Proposal on June 18 for the allotment of land to establish a Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility under the Government of India’s Vehicle Scrapping Policy, 2021.
He claimed that the tender conditions made it difficult for local individuals and firms to qualify, while favouring larger companies with established links outside the state.
“The eligibility criteria, including an annual turnover of Rs 4 crore and several mandatory certifications from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, are beyond the reach of most local entrepreneurs. In the limited time available, only established companies from outside the state are likely to fulfil these requirements,” Passah said.
He criticised the decision to invite bids through an online process, saying it widened the competition in a manner that disadvantaged local businesses.
The party has written to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, urging it to inform the Transport Department that no trading licence should be issued to any non-tribal entity for operating a vehicle scrapping business in Meghalaya.
According to Passah, such a business falls within the purview of the Khasi Hills District (Trading by Non-Tribals) Regulation, 1954, and should be reserved for local youth in view of rising unemployment.
He argued that allotting land for the project to a non-tribal company would violate the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971, which restricts the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals.
Passah said KHNAM would submit a representation to the Office of the Commissioner of Transport on Monday, urging the department to review the tender conditions and ensure that local entrepreneurs are given priority in the proposed project.
