Shillong: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement is pushing back against the state government over a new vehicle scrapping tender. The party claims the rules favor outsiders. The Office of the Commissioner of Transport released a Request for Proposal on June 18 for land to host a facility under the 2021 national policy.
KHNAM working president Thomas Passah says the requirements lock out local businesses. The criteria demand an annual turnover of Rs 4 crore and multiple federal certifications. Passah argues these hurdles are too high for local firms to clear in the current timeframe. "The eligibility criteria, including an annual turnover of Rs 4 crore and several mandatory certifications from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, are beyond the reach of most local entrepreneurs," Passah said.
The party also slammed the online bidding process. They argue this structure pulls in outside competitors at the expense of local talent. To stop non-tribal entities, the group contacted the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council. They want the council to block trading licenses for non-tribal operators. The party claims this sector belongs to local youth to combat joblessness.
Legal concerns loom over the land allotment. Passah warned that handing project land to non-tribal companies breaks the Meghalaya Transfer of Land Regulation Act of 1971. The party plans to file a formal protest with the Commissioner of Transport this Monday. They are demanding a full review of the tender to prioritize local entrepreneurs.
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