The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has said the it would not grant trading licence to quick-commerce giant Blinkit to conduct business in Meghalaya.
Speaking to the media, KHADC chief executive member Winston Tony Lyngdoh said, “The executive committee would not issue a trading licence to any platform whose business model threatens indigenous traders and small businesses.”
Lyngdoh said Blinkit had reportedly obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Dorbar Shnong and Rangbah Shnong of Nongrim Hills, but its application had not yet reached his office for consideration.
“If Blinkit comes here with a model that threatens the livelihood of indigenous people, the Executive Committee will not grant a trading licence,” Lyngdoh added.
He also mentioned out that quick-commerce platforms that offer heavy discounts and doorstep delivery could severely impact over 4,000 grocery shops under KHADC jurisdiction as these local shops provide crucial employment to youth and support families.
The council had earlier denied licences to similar ventures like Instamart and other home-delivery models.
Blinkit had initially operated in Shillong with hundreds of delivery partners before shutting store after failing to secure the mandatory licences.