The growing presence of outside firms in transportation and security services has once again sparked concern among local organisations in Meghalaya, with the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) urging stronger protection for local employment and business opportunities.
The issue was raised during a meeting between the FKJGP and Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh on Tuesday.
Shillong, May 13: The Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) central body along with its Sohra Circle on Tuesday met Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh to discuss concerns over the increasing involvement of trucks from outside Meghalaya in limestone transportation through the Majai Land Custom Station (LCS) in Shella.
The organisation also highlighted complaints related to the treatment and employment conditions of local youths working under security agencies based outside the state.
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After the meeting, FKJGP Sohra Circle president Carlos Kharmih told reporters that the council informed them it has no direct authority to act against the operation of outside trucks since transportation matters come under the jurisdiction of the state Transport Department.
Kharmih said the organisation is worried that local transport operators are gradually losing opportunities despite economic activities taking place within the region. He stated that local people should receive priority in sectors connected to the state’s natural resources and border trade routes.
The issue of outside security agencies was also discussed during the meeting.FKJGP central body assistant secretary Reginald Thabah said the KHADC CEM admitted that the council faces difficulties in restricting outside security companies because many local firms are not participating in tenders floated by central government institutions and departments operating in Meghalaya.
“The council told us they are helpless in certain situations because local agencies are not coming forward to participate in the tendering process,” Thabah said.
He explained that when local firms do not apply for government tenders, the council finds it difficult to deny trading licences to outside companies seeking permission to operate in the state.
Thabah urged local youths and entrepreneurs running security agencies to actively take part in government bidding processes in order to strengthen local participation in the sector.
“If more local agencies participate in tenders, it will become easier for the KHADC to prevent outside firms from dominating the market in future,” he added.
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