GUWAHATI: Quick-commerce platform Blinkit's expansion plans in Meghalaya have suffered a setback after the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) reportedly declined to grant the company the mandatory trading licence required to operate within its jurisdiction.
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The council cited concerns that Blinkit's business model could adversely affect the livelihoods of more than 4,000 local grocery stores in Shillong and surrounding areas, as per reports.
According to reports, Blinkit had initiated preliminary operations in Meghalaya and engaged hundreds of delivery partners. However, the company subsequently suspended its activities after failing to secure the necessary trading licence from the KHADC.
KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh reportedly said that the council would not issue trading licences to business models that threaten the interests of indigenous traders and small local businesses. He maintained that protecting traditional retailers remains a priority for the autonomous district council.
Although Blinkit had reportedly obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local traditional bodies in Nongrim Hills, its application had not reached the office of the Chief Executive Member for final consideration.
The KHADC has previously taken a similar stance by declining trading licences to other quick-commerce and home-delivery platforms, including Instamart, citing concerns over their potential impact on local traders.