SHILLONG, Oct 15: The Opposition in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Tuesday questioned the transparency of the tendering process for toll gates, demanding public access to tender notices and minimum bid rates to ensure fairness in contract awards.
Raising the issue during the Question Hour of the Council’s winter session, Opposition Leader Titosstarwell Chyne sought details on the fixation of minimum bids. He also called for applications to be opened in the presence of the bidders to maintain the integrity of the process.
The matter was brought to the floor after Mawshynrut MDC Srally Rashir requested details on toll gates operating along the Shallang-Nongshram and Riangdo-Athiabari stretches.
Replying to the queries, KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh stated that the Council currently operates two toll gates—one at Athiabari and another at Nongshram. He explained that the Council issues notices on its official notice board, prompting interested parties to submit their applications and price bids.
Chyne pressed for copies of these notices and bid details, arguing for greater openness.
Lyngdoh, on the other hand, maintained that the Executive Committee follows the established notice system but agreed to examine potential improvements to the process.
The discussion also touched upon the status of toll gates in the Langrin constituency.
MDC Pius Marwein pointed out that certain gates in his area were non-functional. In response, the CEM stated that the Council finds it difficult to intervene unless formal complaints are lodged with the competent authority.
Mylliem, Langrin disputes flagged
The Opposition also questioned the Executive Committee’s (EC) handling of Elaka administration, citing the removal of the Mylliem Syiem and unrest in Langrin and Sohra as evidence of mismanagement.
Moving a motion on the final day of the Council’s winter session, Opposition Leader Titosstarwell Chyne stated that the responsibility for the KHADC’s image rests with both the ruling and opposition benches.
He argued that recent controversies have brought the functioning of the institution under intense public scrutiny.
Chyne specifically pointed to the removal of the Syiem of Hima Mylliem and administrative issues in Sohra as matters requiring urgent clarification. The debate also focused on the situation in Langrin, where local MDC Pius Marwein highlighted rising tensions and reported clashes among residents.
Other participants in the discussion included MDCs Ricky Shullai, Barikupar Synrem and Srally Rashir.
In response, Executive Member in-charge of Elaka Administration, Denzil R. Chen, and Chief Executive Member Winston Tony Lyngdoh addressed the concerns raised by the members.
The deliberations centred on the Council’s role in overseeing traditional institutions and its effectiveness in resolving internal disputes within various Himas.