SHILLONG : The Association of Meghalaya Auctioneers Fraternity (AMAF) has appealed to the Meghalaya government to withdraw the online tender for establishing Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) and Automated Testing Stations (ATSs), saying the existing eligibility criteria unfairly exclude local operators.
In a petition submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday, AMAF President R. Diengdoh stated that the Request for Proposal (RFP) conditions make it extremely difficult for Meghalaya’s existing auctioneers and scrap dealers to participate in the bidding process.
According to the Association, the tender requires bidders to have an average annual turnover of ₹4 crore, a bank solvency certificate of ₹2.5 crore, and three years of audited financial statements. AMAF argued that these conditions favour large corporate firms while placing local entrepreneurs at a significant disadvantage.
Representing auctioneers involved in vehicle auctions, scrap collection and dismantling since 2006, the Association maintained that financial strength alone should not determine eligibility. It said practical experience and a proven track record in the state should carry equal weight during the evaluation process.
AMAF also opposed the government’s decision to conduct the tender process entirely online. The Association noted that its members have participated in government auctions through the offline system for many years and said the shift to an online process creates practical challenges for genuine local bidders.
The Association has urged the state government to restore the offline tender process, revise the eligibility criteria to make them more inclusive for experienced local operators, and give preference to Meghalaya-based auctioneers who have been engaged in the trade since 2006.
It further recommended that demonstrated field experience be considered alongside financial capability while evaluating bids.
Clarifying its position, AMAF said it is not seeking to lower standards but wants the Meghalaya Vehicle Scrappage Policy to protect local livelihoods while fulfilling the state’s objective of developing a modern, transparent and environmentally responsible vehicle scrappage system.