KHADC to close down “illegal” business establishments

Soon after taking charge of the trade department here on Thursday, executive member Latiplang Kharkongor told reporters that he would immediately convene a meeting with the officials of the enforcement wing to discuss on the matter next week.

Kharkongor said there is need to intensify checking on violation against the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulations following complaints received against such illegal businesses taking place in the different parts of the region.

“I also warned that business establishments which are found to be running without obtaining the trading license from the Council will be closed down,” the executive member said.

The Nongthymmai MDC said action in the form of seizing the trading license will also be taken against those who have failed to renew the same for more than five years and that they will have to apply afresh.

Kharkongor further stated that he is also contemplating to review a notification which was earlier denotified by the previous executive committee that issuing of the no-objection certificate (NOC) cannot be decided by the headman alone.

“I will review it (notification) again and ensure that issuing of the NOC should be done by the executive dorbar of a particular village,” he said.

The executive member also informed that a fresh survey will be conducted to curtail down the granting of trading license in places having large number of non-tribal traders.

According to him, the Council will also work together with office of the Syiem of Hima Mylliem in order to keep check on illegal businesses in Iewduh, which is the biggest traditional market in the region.

Asked, Kharkongor assured that he would try his best to streamline the department despite the limited time he has in view of the elections being just round the corner.

Kharkongor was also given charge to look after the Elaka department by the KHADC chief HS Shylla who had effected a minor reshuffling of the portfolios.

The elections to the 29-member Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council is slated  to be held on February 27.

By Our Reporter