Shillong, Feb 19: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has detected 46 cases of trading without license by non-Khasi individuals.
KHADC CEM Winston Tony Lyngdoh informed the house today that action was taken by shutting down businesses.
Replying to a question raised by MDC Laban-Mawprem Ricky Shullai, Lyngdoh informed that three businesses in Laban-Last stop were shut down by the enforcement wing for operating without a trading license, with the cooperation of the Dorbar Shnong.
He informed that another four travelling agencies in Dhanketi were also shut down, along with a company operating without a license.
Lyngdoh stated that the enforcement wing is working despite manpower constraints and takes action to the best of its capacity, sometimes in the presence of Dorbar Shnong members.
Regarding a parking lot in Dhanketi operating without a license, Lyngdoh said a local person was made a partner in the business to ensure locals don’t lose jobs, as 90 per cent of locals were working there.
“This step provides jobs to locals and paves the way for local partnership businesses,” he said.
Member from Shella expressed concerns about setting such precedents, but Lyngdoh assured that each case will be examined carefully.
Lyngdoh said trading licenses are valid for one year and require renewal. He added that non-Khasi individuals must first obtain an NOC from the Dorbar Shnong before running a business, as per an April 2025 notification, which is also a level of regulation in the matter.
He urged all council members to also provide suggestions and work together to identify and address loopholes, making things better.
