Shillong, Dec 10: The All Meghalaya Contractors & Suppliers Association has expressed strong opposition to the tendering pattern adopted by the Tourism Department for major works under the ₹233-crore Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit, funded by the Ministry of DoNER as part of the PM-DeviNE scheme. The project’s foundation stone was laid on November 1 by Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and other dignitaries.
The Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit includes the development of several key destinations, such as the Sohra Experience Centre at Kutmadan, Nohkalikai Falls Precinct, Mawsmai Eco Park, Shella and Riverside Development, Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint, Mawsmai and Arwah Cave Precincts, Wah Kaba Falls Development and Wahkaliar Canyon Viewpoint. The contractors’ body highlighted that despite the individual nature of these sites, the Tourism Department has clubbed multiple smaller works into larger tender packages. Package 1 combines Arwah Cave Precinct, Wah Kaba Falls Development and Wahkaliar Canyon Viewpoint, while Package 2 groups Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint with the Mawsmai Cave Precinct.
The Association argued that such clubbing restricts participation by local contractors who often lack the financial capacity to compete with big companies from outside the state. It said the move undermines the very purpose of developing location-specific projects that could have been handled efficiently by smaller local firms. It further pointed out that in earlier discussions with the Chief Minister, it was indicated that separable works should be tendered individually, similar to the model followed in World Bank–funded MHSSP projects.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the Tourism Minister, the Association’s General Secretary, Emanuel Syiem Malniang, said the current system is unfair and reduces healthy competition by limiting opportunities for local stakeholders. He added that some components are small enough to be managed individually, but the consolidated tendering pattern allows financially stronger outside companies to dominate the process. Malniang urged the government to review and revise the tender structure and reaffirmed that the Association will continue to press for fair opportunities for local contractors.
