Trade licenses for non-tribal taxi operators seek by KHADC leader

Guwahati: Titosstarwell Chyne, Opposition Leader of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) in Meghalaya, advocated for non-tribal owners of tourist and local taxis to obtain trade licenses to operate within scheduled areas under the council’s jurisdiction.

Chyne stated that non-tribals must secure trading licenses to conduct business in Sixth Schedule areas, adhering to the 1954 Trading By Non-Tribals Regulation.

This requirement should equally apply to local and tourist taxis owned by non-tribals operating in these areas, he said.

To enforce compliance, Chyne urged the state government to collaborate with the council, mandating non-tribal permit applicants to submit trading licenses.

Currently, the council verifies trading licenses for incoming trucks and buses but Chyne recommended extending this scrutiny to tourist taxis.

While addressing the tourist taxis association’s demands, Chyne cautioned against measures harming the state’s tourism sector.

He stressed considering the livelihoods of residents dependent on tourism.