An alleged case of regulatory failure and unauthorized commercial activity has emerged in Assam’s Digboi Station Area along Shillong Road. A disposal items business continues to operate despite its trade licence expiring, GST registration being cancelled, and unresolved questions about the legality of the land it occupies, reported to be near the Digboi Refinery.
Official records from the Golai Gaon Panchayat reveal that the trade licence issued to proprietor Ranjan Kumar Debnath under the Assam Panchayati Raj Act expired on March 31, 2022. Over two years later, the business remains active with no evidence of licence renewal or temporary authorization available to the public.
This ongoing operation without a valid trade licence raises significant concerns about local governance and the enforcement actions of relevant authorities. The business’s tax compliance is also in question; it was previously registered under GSTIN 18ASTPD9531A1ZP as a Composition Scheme holder, but sources indicate the GST registration was cancelled by the GST department. Despite this cancellation, the business allegedly continues issuing bills and conducting transactions, which could be seen as misrepresentation and a breach of GST laws, potentially harming consumers and resulting in a revenue loss for the government.
The situation is further complicated by the land on which the unit operates. The proprietor claims it to be an AOD GM Plot but has reportedly failed to provide any documentary proof, including the GM Plot number or written permission from AOD authorities for construction or commercial use. Claims that the land was allocated nearly 80 years ago lack supporting documentation, and legal experts note that such assertions do not establish ownership or user rights without explicit authorization for commercial purposes.
Concerns deepen as reports reveal that the disposal materials business is reportedly financed by Digboi Gramin Vikash Bank under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). This raises questions about due diligence given that the business is operating without a valid trade licence and cancelled GST registration.
The shop’s proximity to the Digboi Refinery, a crucial oil installation located just 10 meters from its boundary wall, adds to the seriousness of the issue. Facilities like this are subject to strict safety, security, and buffer zone regulations. The presence of an unlicensed commercial unit near such sensitive infrastructure poses risks including fire hazards, industrial accidents, security breaches, and environmental threats.
The nature of the disposal item business compounds these dangers, as operations typically involve combustible materials like paper and plastic. Functioning without documented safety clearances or authorization near petroleum infrastructure is viewed as hazardous and irresponsible.
Despite these apparent violations, the establishment has continued its operations without any visible action from authorities. This has stirred unease among local residents and observers, leading to questions about how an unlicensed and tax-noncompliant business can operate unchecked in a sensitive area.
The absence of response from relevant authorities has triggered calls for immediate intervention from the district administration, Golai Gaon Panchayat, AOD Management, and other enforcement agencies. Citizens and civil groups demand a comprehensive site inspection, verification of land ownership, scrutiny of government-backed financing, and enforcement of licensing and taxation laws, including the sealing or removal of unauthorized establishments near the refinery.
This incident reflects a broader issue of unchecked commercialization and lax enforcement in sensitive industrial zones. Experts warn that failing to act could undermine legal frameworks and pose serious risks to public safety and national infrastructure.
As of this report, no official response has been provided by the concerned departments, but attention from higher administrative and safety authorities is anticipated in the coming days.
Original Source: https://nenow.in/north-east-news/assam/assam-disposal-business-operates-illegally-near-digboi-refinery-despite-cancelled-gst-expired-licence.html
Category: Assam,Northeast News,Top News
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Publish Date: 2026-01-02 23:21:00
