By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Blinkit’s trading licence was rejected by Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), which said the decision was taken to safeguard the interests of local grocery traders.
KHADC Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh said the Executive Committee has not changed its stance on the matter.
He added that while the company is reported to have secured a No Objection Certificate from traditional authorities in Nongrim Hills, its proposal has not been formally tabled before the council.
According to him, any business activity that could undermine the livelihood of indigenous traders will not be permitted.
He said more than 4,000 small grocery outlets under KHADC’s jurisdiction could be affected by rapid-delivery services offering discounts and doorstep supply. Such businesses, he added, are vital for local employment, and similar applications have been turned down earlier.
Lyngdoh also defended the council’s approval for Alaya Cafe & Bar at Nongthymmai, the same site earlier used by Blinkit. He said objections raised by trader groups were considered before granting permission.
The venture, he said, involves businessman Manish Agarwal and a Khasi partner from Laitumkhrah, and was cleared only after verification of documents and approvals.
Referring to an April 2025 directive, Lyngdoh said village authorities have been instructed to avoid issuing No Objection Certificates without proper checks in sectors where locals already operate.
He rejected allegations of irregular licensing raised by Shella MDC Barikupar Synrem, saying official figures show fewer licences have been issued by the current Executive Committee compared to previous years.
Lyngdoh said the council’s focus remains on protecting local livelihoods and employment.