Shillong, October 22: The Autumn Session of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) opened on Wednesday at Dorbar Synrai, with discussions focusing on administrative transparency and regulatory oversight.

During the sitting, MDC Kong Grace Mary Kharpuri of Pynursla Constituency raised a detailed query concerning the issuance and monitoring of Trading Licenses within the Council’s jurisdiction.

Addressing Executive Member in charge of Trade, Bah Winstone Tony Lyngdoh, Kharpuri sought a comprehensive update on the number of Trading Licenses issued and renewed to date, calling for greater transparency and improved record-keeping to ensure that genuine Khasi traders and entrepreneurs are adequately supported.

She also expressed concern over non-Khasi individuals operating businesses in the district, warning that unregulated activities could undermine local economic interests and the Council’s regulatory authority. Kharpuri urged the administration to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and ensure all trading activities comply with KHADC rules and uphold the rights of the indigenous population.

Officials present acknowledged the significance of the issue and assured that the Council would review existing procedures to maintain fairness, compliance, and accountability in trade regulation.

The deliberation reflects KHADC’s ongoing efforts to enhance governance transparency while balancing economic development with protection of local interests. The session will continue until October 24, addressing a range of administrative and policy matters.