Shillong, Jun 18: KHADC chief executive member Winston Tony Lyngdoh on Thursday said that the district council plans to introduce an online system for trading licences, to streamline the renewal process for existing traders, but will maintain the traditional route for new applicants.
Responding to queries from members during the question hour of the budget session, Lyngdoh said the proposed online system for trading licences will be restricted to renewals, while fresh applicants will still be required to submit their applications in person at the Council office.
Leader of the opposition Titosstarwell Chyne raised concerns regarding the potential implications of this move. He pointed out that the granting of trading licences to non-tribal traders has been a contentious subject within the council.
Chyne warned that facilitating online applications might inadvertently enable traders from outside the state to obtain licences, thereby undermining efforts to prioritise local indigenous businesses.
Laban-Mawprem MDC Ricky Shullai acknowledged the demand for digital renewal processes and said it is imperative that the KHADC proceeds cautiously by also involving dorbar shnongs during licence inspections and verification processes.
