For the first time in its history, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has decided to expand its role as to how export and import activities are being carried out in Majai.
In a meeting with the traditional heads under Hima Sohra as well as exporters and limestone miners here today, the KHADC asked the Hima Sohra Exporters’ and Importers’ Association and the traditional heads of Sohra to send the list of exporters and miners to the council within a week.
KHADC Deputy Chief Executive Member, Pynshngain N. Syiem said that the council will try to get the list of exporters as per records available with the Customs Department.
Syiem said that this is being done after complaints received by local exporters that they are not able to export limestone to Bangladesh since the system has not been streamlined.
The Deputy CEM said that there are cases of trucks overtaking (by-passing those already in line) or one exporter’s trucks entering into Bangladesh while another’s does not get a chance.
“Therefore, today’s meeting is to understand how to bring in a mechanism so that the local exporters are not exploited but get their trips into Bangladesh,” he said.
Syiem said that what he learnt during the meeting was that although there are 300-400 exporters supposedly exporting limestone into Bangladesh but the actual figures of those who are really exporting is only around 80 to 100.
The Deputy CEM pointed out that during the meeting it was revealed that there are many names who are exporters only on paper and very few actually export limestone as per letter of credit (LC) and clearance.
“After getting the list, the district council then will formulate guidelines and will point out what is the job of the Hima or the exporters’ association,” he said.
Syiem said that he will again convene a meeting with the stakeholders and brief them about the guidelines.
He said that the KHADC will work together with the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer of Sohra Civil Sub-Division and the police to streamline the export through Majai.
“Actually it is not the job of the district council to do so but many have complained to us. Therefore, we had no option but to interfere,” the Deputy CEM said.
