By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 2: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has issued a sweeping directive prohibiting Rangbah Shnong, Sordar Shnong, Matabor and Myntri Shnong from issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) or consent permissions for the establishment of wine stores and alcohol-related businesses within their village jurisdictions.
The notification, released on Tuesday, follows the Executive Committee’s (EC) deliberations during its November 19 meeting, where serious concern was expressed over the rising number of wine stores and alcoholic product outlets across various localities.
The order takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.
KHADC Executive Member in-charge of Elaka, Denzil Raynard Chen told reporters that the growing proliferation of such establishments has negatively impacted households and the Khasi society at large.
“The Executive Committee, having no alternative, hereby prohibits all traditional village authorities from issuing any NOC or consent permission for wine stores within their jurisdictions,” he said.
Chen further clarified that the ban also extends to the issuance of NOCs for the setting up of bonded warehouses for the storage of alcoholic products within Dorbar jurisdictions.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh added that the restriction covers factories manufacturing alcoholic beverages, as well as departmental stores or shops selling any type of alcoholic products. “We have barred the issuance of NOCs or consent permissions for all such establishments within the council’s jurisdiction,” he stated.
However, Lyngdoh noted an exception: an NOC may be issued only if there is a unanimous decision taken by the Dorbar Shnong. He pointed out that currently, many NOCs are approved solely at the Executive Committee level of the Dorbar Shnong without the knowledge or consent of residents. “The consent of the members of the whole locality is paramount for the issuance of any NOC,” the CEM emphasised.
He urged full cooperation from all Dorbar Shnongs and residents to ensure the directive is implemented in the interest of the community.
