TURA, June 9: Cracking down on illegal trade operations, the GHADC on Tuesday shut down several business establishments in Tura for operating without valid Trading Licenses and not paying the required taxes.
The drive was led by GHADC Deputy Chief Executive Member (CEM), Shri Stevie Marak, who supervised the spot inspections to ensure strict adherence to Sixth Schedule regulations.
According to Council officials, the crack-down was initiated after numerous prior notices and appeals urging local business owners to regularize their licenses went unheeded. Among the establishments sealed during Monday’s drive in the heart of Tura town were various shops, eateries, and a branch of ICICI Bank.
Speaking on the enforcement drive, Deputy CEM Stevie Marak quoted rules governing the Sixth Schedule area, making it mandatory for both Tribal and Non-Tribal traders to possess a valid ‘Trading License’ and regularly pay ‘Provisional Tax’. Marak informed that despite repeated public notifications published in local newspapers, many businesses continued to operate in violation of these statutory requirements necessitating the crackdown.
However, the Deputy CEM clarified that the closure of these shops was not a permanent ban.
“The businesses have not been shut down indefinitely. If the respective owners can produce the required documentation—including valid trading licenses, tax receipts, and No Objection Certificates (NOCs)—the District Council will readily grant permission for them to reopen,” Marak explained.
Marak, at the same time, warned that the enforcement drive would soon expand beyond Tura to cover the entire GHADC jurisdiction. As per him, dedicated inspection teams would soon be deployed to check illegal business operation all across Garo Hills including in places like Ampati (Mir Jumla area), Mahendraganj, Lokaichor, Rajabala, Phulbari, Singgimari and others.
