Shillong: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council is stopping Blinkit from returning to the region. Officials claim the platform threatens the livelihoods of thousands of local shop owners. Thousands of small grocers depend on daily trade. Winston Tony Lyngdoh, the Chief Executive Member, confirmed the council will not grant a trading licence.
Lyngdoh noted that quick-commerce models hurt indigenous businesses. He says, "If Blinkit comes here with a model that threatens the livelihood of indigenous people, the Executive Committee will not grant a trading licence." The council fears deep discounts will wipe out more than 4,000 local shops. Officials previously blocked similar ventures like Instamart for the same reason.
The council recently approved a permit for Alaya Cafe and Bar at the former Blinkit site. Lyngdoh defended this choice as a legitimate local partnership involving a long-time Meghalaya business family. He cited an April 2025 rule that bans Dorbar Shnongs from handing out permits to outsiders for work locals can handle themselves.
Critics accused the council of being messy with permits. Lyngdoh fired back with statistics. His team issued only 99 licences in their first year compared to over 200 annually under past leadership. Protecting local work remains the top priority. The council is keeping the doors shut to outside giants.
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