The executive committee of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) is hopeful to organise another edition of the Monolith Festival, despite the criticisms.
Stating that the KHADC has tried to promote and showcase the rich culture and traditions of the Khasi people through the Monolith Festival, Chief Executive Member Titosstarwell Chyne said that many have tried to find fault with it, claiming that the festival was a platform for corruption.
“We are hopeful to organize the monolith festival again. It became very popular and known to the world and it was the first time that the council was able to showcase the people’s rich culture and traditions in a grand manner. I appeal to the MDCs to earmark a little from the MDC scheme to buy traditional instruments and dresses and donate it to traditional organizations and clubs so that our traditions are preserved,” he added.
Informing that the executive committee has decided that no-objection certificates (NOCs) to private companies will be given by the council only after an agreement that job opportunities will be given to locals, Chyne said, “We have also asked the state government to withdraw the notification issued by the District Council Affairs Department that stated that any company from outside should first be awarded the tender and then only apply for the licence.”
Chyne said that this has put local contractors and companies in great hardship and the council has asked the government that outside companies should first apply for the licence, so that first preference will be given to local contractors and firms.
