Allegations baseless, Sevenborn Tang appointed through tender: JHADC

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 16, 2025

The Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) has issued a clarification regarding reports alleging that Sevenborn Tang has been operating the Council’s forest check points without authorization.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Secretary of the JHADC Executive Committee addressed claims made by the Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO), which reportedly lodged an FIR against Tang with the Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills. The complaint was based on information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.

The Council clarified that while HITO’s RTI application sought details about the appointment of an agent to operate a “weight-bridge cum forest check point” at Sunapur, the JHADC’s response clearly stated that it does not operate any such weight bridge within its jurisdiction. “There is no forest revenue station classified as a weight bridge cum forest check point and hence no agent has been appointed for this purpose,” the statement read.

However, the Council confirmed that it has long been operating several Forest Revenue Stations under Rule 56 of the United Khasi & Jaintia Hills Autonomous District (Management and Control of Forest) Rules, 1960. Observing low revenue collections from these stations—often insufficient even to cover staff salaries—the JHADC decided to outsource their management to private parties to enhance revenue generation.

Accordingly, under Section 12 of the United Khasi & Jaintia Hills Autonomous District (Management and Control of Forest) Act, 1958, the Council invited tenders for the operation of these Forest Revenue Stations. Sevenborn Tang emerged as the successful bidder and was duly appointed as the Council’s Agent for a three-year term.

“The appointed Agent has been discharging his duties diligently and regularly depositing the quarterly premium to the Council. Revenue generated under his management has significantly improved compared to previous years,” the statement added.

The JHADC termed HITO’s allegations “unfounded, misleading, and factually incorrect.” It accused the organization of misinterpreting the Council’s RTI response and spreading claims “without proper verification or due diligence.”

The Council further reiterated that Sevenborn Tang is the duly appointed Agent authorized to manage and control all Forest Revenue Stations under JHADC.