SHILLONG: The Association of Meghalaya Auctioneers Fraternity (AMAF) has petitioned Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, urging him to withdraw the online tender process for establishing Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSF) and Automated Testing Stations (ATS) in Meghalaya.
The association argues that the current Request for Proposal (RFP) structure sidelines local businesses in favor of large corporate entities.
Representing local operators active in vehicle auctioning, scrap collection, and dismantling since 2006, AMAF highlighted that its members have provided livelihoods to hundreds of local families for nearly two decades.
While supporting modernization, the association expressed deep concern that strict eligibility criteria and the exclusive online bidding format would exclude experienced local entrepreneurs.
Central to AMAF’s grievance are the stringent financial requirements in the RFP: bidders must show an average annual turnover of ₹4 crore, a bank solvency certificate of ₹2.5 crore, a positive net worth, and audited financial statements for the last three years.
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The association argues that these criteria ignore the realities of Meghalaya’s local economy, where most members are small-scale entrepreneurs with decades of practical experience rather than corporate backing.
AMAF warned that under the current rules, wealthy outside corporations with no local experience could easily qualify, while seasoned local operators would be locked out. Additionally, the shift to an exclusively online bidding process introduces technical barriers that further disadvantage local stakeholders who have long participated in offline tenders.
In its appeal, AMAF has demanded the state government withdraw the online tender and revert to the established offline system. It also calls for a review and adjustment of financial and technical eligibility criteria to better reflect local realities and operational experience.
The fraternity further requests explicit preference for local operators with a proven track record since 2006, making hands-on experience a core evaluation metric alongside financial strength.
AMAF emphasized that it does not seek to lower technical or environmental standards, but advocates for a balanced framework that values local expertise.
The association urges the government to implement the Meghalaya Vehicle Scrappage Policy in a way that preserves livelihoods and ensures economic benefits remain within the state, while achieving environmental and modernization goals.
(4FrontMedia news)
