By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 24: The Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP) has urged the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to refrain from issuing trading licenses to non-tribals or any firms and agencies intending to operate within the Council’s jurisdiction.
In a letter addressed to KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Shemborlang Rynjah, FKJGP vice president Kitboklang Nongphlang expressed that the organisation had already objected to the tender floated by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Shillong, for the hiring of security personnel through private agencies and firms.
Nongphlang stated that the FKJGP decided to oppose the tender after reviewing the bid evaluation criteria outlined by the NIFT.
He then claimed that the evaluation process clearly favoured firms and agencies from outside Meghalaya.
Nongphlang alleged that the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Meghalaya, has adopted a similar approach, thereby allowing non-tribal agencies to participate in tenders at the expense of local service providers.
The FKJGP has urged the KHADC CEM to withhold trading licenses from such outside firms, contending that there are sufficient indigenous service providers within the region who are capable of fulfilling the requirements laid out in the tenders.
According to Nongphlang, these central institutions are depriving qualified local individuals and firms of employment opportunities in sectors where they possess the necessary skills and experience.