Guwahati: A fresh dispute has erupted over the delayed launch of Meghalaya’s Khasi Traditional Medicine Institute, with the Centre of Learning, Knowledge and Services (COLKS) accusing the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) of handing over an incomplete facility that lacked basic infrastructure despite an investment of Rs 9.47 crore.
The organisation issued the statement after KHADC Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh, during the Council’s Summer Session, questioned why the Lum Sohpetbneng institute had not been made operational nearly two years after it was leased to COLKS.
He had also stated that the premises remained unattended and that the Council had not received any revenue under the annual lease agreement worth Rs 6 lakh.
According to COLKS, the institute was handed over in July 2024 without essential services required for its operation. It said the premises had neither an electricity connection nor a regular water supply, besides lacking boundary fencing.
The organisation added that electricity became available only in February 2025, while the water supply issue has yet to be resolved.
Explaining the rent dispute, COLKS said it had requested an 18-month rent waiver because of the condition of the building.
Although the arrangement was not reflected in the signed lease deed, the organisation claimed KHADC had verbally agreed to extend the concession until December 2025.
It also rejected allegations that it had ignored repeated payment reminders, calling the claim incorrect.
COLKS further stated that work at the institute was disrupted by a burglary in June 2025 and a lightning strike a month later.
It alleged that the lightning strike caused extensive damage to the electrical system because the building had been constructed without an adequate earthing facility.
On the issue of the Khasi Traditional Medicine Commission (KTMC), the organisation said the project had been awarded through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process launched in September 2023. It argued that the commission was reconstituted only after the bidding process had already begun.
The organisation also claimed that communication from the KHADC became irregular after December 2025, disputing the Council’s allegation that it had failed to respond.
It maintained that the institute was conceived to promote indigenous healing practices and expressed concern that the project was being drawn into unnecessary political controversy despite its efforts to train personnel and engage with stakeholders.
The disagreement has left the future of the institute uncertain, with the Council and COLKS continuing to hold each other responsible for the delay in commissioning the project, shortcomings in infrastructure and differences over the implementation of the lease arrangement.