Tura MDC Bernard N Marak, of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has written to commercial operations, such as banks, petrol pumps and mobile companies, in Tura regarding the need for trading by non-tribal licences issued by the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
Marak expressed concern over businesses operating without proper authorisation of the council. A licence can only be obtained from the GHADC with a formal recommendation of the local MDC, in Tura’s case, himself. Marak added that he plans to convene a meeting with managers of such companies to clarify the matter and take necessary steps regarding licences.
The MDC has requested these businesses to provide details on whether they have applied for or currently hold a valid licence recommended by him, with a prompt response expected within a week via email at bnmtura@gmail.com. This move follows a claim by the Executive Member for Taxation that Marak had recommended TNT licences, which the MDC has denied making.
“This discrepancy suggests that several institutions may currently be operating without proper legal authorisation, thereby contravening the constitutional provisions applicable to Sixth Schedule areas. As per practice, any non-tribal agency or company intending to carry on business in this area must obtain a TNT (trading by non-tribal) licence with a formal recommendation from the local MDC,” he explained.
