Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Nongrim Hills officials are pushing back against criticism over a permit for a new Blinkit store. The local Dorbar Shnong issued a No Objection Certificate after the Executive Committee reached a collective decision. Headman Bantylli Nari rejected claims that he acted alone.
The permit covers V Kurbah, a Rynjah resident who holds a deal with the quick-commerce brand. Nari insists the committee weighed all local risks before moving ahead. The shop will serve the city's eastern sector. Blinkit eventually plans to open multiple spots across Shillong.
Critics fear the move threatens 4,000 neighborhood retail shops. Nari argues that middle and low-income families deserve lower grocery bills. "The larger public interest, particularly that of middle- and low-income families, should be prioritised," Nari said. He added that the platform will force healthy competition into the market.
The headman suggested that traditional shops and online platforms will survive side by side. He urged the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council to help local merchants form a buying group. This would let them negotiate better prices and stand their ground. The Dorbar also requested that the company hire local workers for the new facility.
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