Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma pledged increased state support for traditional tribal festivals. Speaking at the Behdienkhlam festival in East Jaintia Hills, Sangma emphasized that preserving indigenous customs for younger generations is a primary government goal. He stated that these events keep local identity and values alive. The government aims to protect heritage across all tribes and faiths while promoting social harmony for visitors.
While the Chief Minister discussed culture, his administration faces a direct challenge from the All Meghalaya Auctioneer Fraternity. The group wants the government to scrap a new online tender for a vehicle dismantling facility in Sumer. The fraternity submitted a formal memorandum to Sangma and Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on July 16.
Local operators have handled vehicle auctions and scrap disposal since 2006. They now fear the new rules shut them out. The Transport Department floated the tender on December 15, 2025, but later cancelled it to launch a fresh online process. New financial rules require bidders to prove an average annual turnover of 74 crore rupees and bank solvency of 2.5 crore rupees. These strict requirements threaten to exclude experienced local businesses in favor of large corporate entities.
The fraternity argues that turnover does not equal real-world skill. AMAF president R. Diengdoh noted, “A high turnover only reflects the size of a business and does not necessarily indicate practical experience or capability.” The group demands a return to offline bidding and a revision of the criteria. General Secretary Larry C. Nongkynrih questioned why the government failed to consult local stakeholders before issuing the current requirements. The association insists the state must protect local livelihoods while modernizing vehicle disposal.
Comments