Shillong, July 5: The Dorbar Shnong of Nongrim Hills has defended its decision to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a proposed Blinkit outlet, clarifying that the approval was granted collectively by its Executive Committee after detailed deliberations and was not the decision of the Rangbah Shnong alone. The clarification comes in response to recent remarks made by Winston Tony Lyngdoh.
Rangbah Shnong Bantylli Nari stated that the NOC was issued in the name of V Kurbah, a resident of Rynjah, who has an agreement with Blinkit, and not directly to the quick-commerce company. He said the Executive Committee carefully considered both the benefits and potential drawbacks before passing a resolution supporting the proposal.
Responding to concerns that Blinkit’s entry could negatively impact nearly 4,000 retail shops in Shillong, Nari argued that the broader public interest, particularly that of middle- and low-income households, should be given priority. He said the availability of discounted products through the platform could help reduce household expenses while fostering healthy competition in the local market.
Nari also disclosed that Blinkit is planning to establish multiple outlets across Shillong, with the proposed Nongrim Hills facility expected to serve the eastern part of the city. He added that the Dorbar has recommended that preference be given to local residents during recruitment, although the employment process has not yet been finalised.
Rejecting suggestions that quick-commerce platforms would threaten traditional businesses, Nari maintained that conventional retail outlets and online commerce could coexist, pointing out that the growth of e-commerce has not replaced established marketplaces. He further urged the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council to assist local retailers in forming a collective that could negotiate better prices and strengthen their competitiveness, rather than opposing Blinkit’s proposed expansion into Shillong.
