By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 18: Mounting concerns over how public-facing contracts are being handled in Hima Mylliem have prompted the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) to formally seek intervention from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), demanding a shift to a transparent, open tender system.
In a memorandum placed before the Chief Executive Member and the Executive Member in charge of Markets, the party’s Central Executive Committee flagged what it described as a pattern of non-transparent leasing of parking lots, revenue collection rights and other operational activities over several years.
KHNAM working president Thomas Passah said the absence of a structured and competitive tendering mechanism has raised serious questions about fairness in the allocation of such contracts.
According to the party, there is no evidence of a consistent, publicly advertised bidding process governing these leases.
The memorandum further pointed to apprehensions that these contracts are being confined to a select group, allegedly those with proximity to the Hima Mylliem authority or individuals linked to members of the KHADC, thereby limiting broader public participation.
While acknowledging the Council’s stated intent to promote cleaner governance, the party stressed that Hima Mylliem, being under KHADC’s administrative framework, must adhere to transparent procedures. It called on the Council to institutionalise an “open tender” system as a mandatory norm for all such leases.
KHNAM also pressed for all tenders to be widely publicised through media channels to ensure equal access for interested and eligible applicants, arguing that such a move would help restore credibility in the system.
The party maintained that adopting transparent tender practices in Hima Mylliem should serve as a model for all Himas under the KHADC, thereby reinforcing accountability and public trust in the KHADC’s functioning.
