Shillong, Sep 2: Three VPP MDCs in the KHADC have accused the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) of bypassing them by issuing tenders for works in their respective constituencies without consulting them. Mawkhar–Pynthorumkhrah MDC and Council’s Chairman, Strongpillar Kharjana, Malki–Laitumkhrah MDC Deity H. Majaw, and Jaiaw MDC Denzil R. Chen, claimed that they had proposed these schemes for budget allocation through the 15th Finance Commission.
However, when the tenders were called through the Shillong Municipal Board, they were not informed, indicating that the Board has bypassed them.
Kharjana also noted that the funds earmarked for the urban scheme are much smaller compared to those allotted under the rural scheme.
He also questioned why the same yardstick was not applied to MLA schemes since those funds are also released by the state government.
The Chairman stated that the schemes were not against the schemes, but against the manner in which the tenders were floated by bypassing the MDCs, even though the works fall under their respective constituencies.
The Shillong Municipal Board issued the tender on August 27, 2025, for works including motorable roads, drains, footpaths, and other projects falling within these three constituencies, as well as in Laban–Mawprem.
The KHADC Executive Committee has sent a letter to the CEO of the SMB informing him that a complaint has been lodged and that the tendering process should first be put on hold.
