Headmen refuse to issue NOC for trade

SHILLONG, APR 9: Headmen in the different parts of the Khasi hills have refuse to give the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for traders even though they are empowered by the Trading by Non-Tribal Regulation Act.

“Many traditional heads have refrained from issuing NOCs for applying fresh and also renewal trading license from the KHADC due to the Meghalaya High Court ruling issued on December 10, 2014,” KHADC EM in charge Trade Latiplang Kharkongor told reporters.

Expressing concerned over this, Kharkongor said, this has affected the people who requires the NOC to be issued by the headmen for applying fresh and also renewing their license from the district council.

Stating that it’s just misinterpretation of the court’s ruling, Kharkongor said, “As per the ruling of the High Court it has clearly indicated that they (traditional heads) have no power to issue any kind of certificate unless empowered by rule or laws.”

Having said this, Kharkongor said, “But the traditional heads are already empowered to issue NOCs as per the provisions of the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills District (Trading By Non Tribals) Regulation Act 1959.” According to Act, the trading licenses have to be issued only after the approval by the local dorbar shnong which is the headman, he said.

Kharkongor said that such cases are prevalent in East Khasi hills, Ri Bhoi and other districts of Khasi hills region.

Kharkongor said the ruling of the high court is not applicable to them since the Act exist and empowers them to issue such NOCs and appealed to the traditional heads not have any doubt of their power to  issue such NOCs.- By Our Reporter