Shillong, Oct 16: Alleging large-scale irregularities in the issuance of trading licences to non-tribals in the name of partnership with tribals, the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has demanded that the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) cancel 44 such licences.
In a letter to KHADC CEM Winston Tony Lyngdoh, KHNAM working president Thomas Passah said the party had obtained through RTI copies of 44 licences issued to non-tribals running business in partnership with indigenous tribals.
Referring to the CEM’s statement in the Council seven months ago that a licence was given to one Mr Bawri for running a public parking lot after partnering with a tribal, Passah said the RTI replies revealed serious violations.
“Any business/trade operated on partnership has to be done as per the provision of the Indian Partnership Act, 1932, Companies Act 1956, Limited Liability Partnership Act 2008. It is also mandated for all such firms to register as per the Act and the names of all the partners needs to be included in the registration of the firm,” he said.
However, on seeking certified copies of registration certificates of these firms, Passah said the Council’s reply showed none had registration certificates as mandated by law.
“Which implies that they are not partnership firms as per the provision of the Acts mentioned above. On scrutiny of these Trading License, it is noted that the profit sharing of the tribal individual is very minimal, which makes us believe that the tribal partner is just being used to obtain the trading license,” he said.
He further pointed out that the firms had only submitted an affidavit of undertaking between the tribal and non-tribal, while the tribal’s name was not registered as a partner.
Among the licences listed are Green Clift Resort, Jendrina Hospitality LLP, Megha Automotive LLP, Sani Steels Pvt Ltd, Premier Mega Hub, Jubilant Food Works Ltd (Domino’s Pizza), Dream House Luxury Living LLP, Sati Resort, HPT Orchid Resort, Meghalaya Brewing Company, Meghalaya Polymers and others.
Terming the arrangement as Benami, KHNAM said, “All the license issued by the council for business/trade operated on partnership between the non-tribal and a tribal is actually a business operated on Benami which is against The Meghalaya (Benami Transactions Prohibition) Act, 1985 and punishable under section 3 of the Act.”
The party has urged the Council to act immediately.
“Based on the above-mentioned facts we would urge upon the council to cancel all these licenses and abstain from such practices which would only be an opportunity to non-tribal to undertake business and trade in the State. If necessary corrective action is not initiated by the council immediately we will be forced to file a complaint with competent authority as mandated by Section 4(a) of the Act,” Passah said.
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The post Cancel 44 partnership trading licences, they are Benami: KHNAM to KHADC appeared first on Hub News.