Shillong, Oct 16: The KHNAM has demanded for cancellation of 44 trading licenses issued by KHADC to non-tribals in the name of partnership with tribals.
KHNAM working president Thomas Passah in a letter to KHADC CEM Winston Tony Lyngdoh alleged large scale irregularities in issuance of the trading licenses, which were obtained through RTI.
Referring to the CEM’s statement in the Council seven months ago that a licence was given to one Mr Bawri for running a public parking lot after partnering with a tribal, Passah said the RTI replies revealed serious violations.
However, on seeking certified copies of registration certificates of these firms, Passah said the Council’s reply showed none had registration certificates as mandated by law, implying that “they are not partnership firms”.
“On scrutiny of these Trading License, it is noted that the profit sharing of the tribal individual is very minimal, which makes us believe that the tribal partner is just being used to obtain the trading license,” he said.
He further pointed out that the firms had only submitted an affidavit of undertaking between the tribal and non-tribal, while the tribal’s name was not registered as a partner.
Among the licences listed are Green Clift Resort, Jendrina Hospitality LLP, Megha Automotive LLP, Sani Steels Pvt Ltd, Premier Mega Hub, Jubilant Food Works Ltd (Domino’s Pizza), Dream House Luxury Living LLP, Sati Resort, HPT Orchid Resort, Meghalaya Brewing Company, Meghalaya Polymers and others.
Terming the arrangement as benami, KHNAM said, “All the licenses issued by the Council for business/trade operated on partnership between the non-tribal and a tribal is actually a business operated on Benami which is against The Meghalaya (Benami Transactions Prohibition) Act, 1985 and punishable under section 3 of the Act.”
The party has urged the Council to act immediately.
