Shillong: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has issued 13 new trading licences to non-tribal traders, allowing them to conduct business under the Council’s regulations from October 2025 to the present.
Responding to a question raised by opposition MDC from Nongshken, Grace M. Kharpuri, the Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh said that the licences were issued exclusively to non tribals residents. He clarified that the licences are for activities that local village youths cannot normally undertake, including one show shop in Ïewduh.
He added that trading licences are for regulated business activities and while awarding tenders, priority is given to local residents. If a tendered activity can be carried out by local youths, the responsible department is required to allocate it to them.
Answering further questions, the CEM noted that seven licences were issued in October alone, with the remaining licences granted after completion of the official process.
Lyngdoh also stated that to date, KHADC has issued a total of 1,473 renewed trading licences and granted 5,375 licences, including the 13 issued by the Council.
