Shillong: The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) shut down several business establishments in Tura on Tuesday. The enforcement action targeted shops, eateries, and a branch of ICICI Bank that were operating without valid trading licenses or failing to pay mandatory taxes.
Led by Deputy Chief Executive Member Stevie Marak, the operation focused on ensuring compliance with regulations under the Sixth Schedule. Council officials noted that the crackdown followed multiple failed attempts to encourage business owners to regularize their operations through public notices and official appeals.
Marak emphasized that all traders, regardless of tribal status, must hold a valid license and pay provisional taxes to operate legally in the region. He clarified that these closures are not permanent and owners can resume operations once they provide the necessary documentation, including tax receipts and no-objection certificates.
Addressing the future of the initiative, Marak explained: "The businesses have not been shut down indefinitely. If the respective owners can produce the required documentation—including valid trading licenses, tax receipts, and No Objection Certificates (NOCs)—the District Council will readily grant permission for them to reopen."
The GHADC plans to expand these inspections beyond Tura. Dedicated teams will soon audit business operations across the entire Garo Hills jurisdiction, including areas such as Ampati, Mahendraganj, Rajabala, and Phulbari.
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