Shillong: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) wants a total overhaul of the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) tendering process. Working president Thomas Passah met with the MUDA secretary on Monday to address discrepancies in how public toilets and parking facilities are run. The party pushed for action after gathering information through the Right to Information Act.
Passah claims MUDA ignored bids for three public toilet sites at the Pahsyntiew Shopping Complex, Khlieh Iewduh, and Khyndai Bah Ryntieh. Applicants paid for documents and court-fee stamps, but the authority never opened the bids. Instead, MUDA opted to operate the toilets departmentally. Passah noted the staff manning these sites are not official MUDA employees. "We have demanded that the secretary streamline the system and take corrective measures to address these glaring discrepancies," Passah told reporters. He added that the current setup promotes nepotism and favoritism.
Costs for facility users have spiraled. KHNAM reports that toilets are charging Rs 10 and Rs 15, ignoring the official rates of Rs 5 and Rs 10. Passah called this extortion and demanded the installation of clear signboards showing authorized fees. The group also raised alarms over the management of parking spaces at Garikhana, Khlieh Iewduh, and Police Bazar. While an individual holds the Garikhana contract, MUDA operates the others departmentally under the guise of renovation.
KHNAM rejects the excuse of construction to delay bidding. Passah argued that renovation periods should allow bidders to inspect sites and submit offers. The party also challenged a MUDA tender rule that says the highest bidder might not win. They insist on transparent, fair criteria to manage public assets and provide work for local youth.
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