Meghalaya: MDC Marak flays illegality of non-tribal businesses operating without TNT licenses

Correspondent

Shillong: Bernard N. Marak, Member of District Council (MDC) representing the 9-Tura constituency under the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), has raised serious concerns over the operation of banks, petrol pumps, and mobile companies within the Tura GHADC jurisdiction without valid Trading by Non-Tribal (TNT) licenses.

In a letter addressed to all branch managers of banks, petrol pump operators, and mobile service companies in Tura, West Garo Hills, Marak highlighted the legal requirement for non-tribal business entities to possess TNT licenses in order to operate within areas governed by the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

“During the 13th Session of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), I, being the MDC of Tura raised a question concerning the requirement for a valid Trading by Non-Tribal (TNT) license for all non-tribal business entities operating within this Sixth Schedule area. In response, the Executive Member for Taxation informed the House that such licenses had been recommended by the MDC of Tura which was not true,” Marak stated.

Clarifying his position, Marak wrote, “However, I would like to clarify that no such recommendations have been officially made or processed through my office to date and would like to convene a meeting with all the Managers of Banks, Petrol Pumps and Mobile Companies operating in my Tura Constituency to clarify and take necessary steps.”

He warned that the absence of such licenses could mean several institutions are operating illegally under the Sixth Schedule provisions. Marak reminded that “As per practice, any non-tribal agency or company intending to carry on business in this area must obtain a TNT license with a formal recommendation from the local MDC.”

Calling for urgent cooperation, the Tura MDC asked the institutions concerned to clarify their compliance. “In light of this, I kindly request your institution to furnish details regarding whether you have applied for or currently hold a valid TNT license which is recommended by me? This information is essential to address the irregularities and initiate appropriate steps to regularize such operations in accordance with established legal protocols,” Marak concluded.

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