Digboi: An alleged case of regulatory failure and unauthorized commercial activity has surfaced in Assam’s Digboi Station Area along Shillong Road.
A disposal items business continues to operate despite the expiry of its trade licence, cancellation of its GST registration, and unresolved questions over the legality of the land it occupies, which is reportedly an AOD GM Plot located perilously close to the Digboi Refinery.
Official records from the Golai Gaon Panchayat indicate that the trade licence issued to the proprietor, Ranjan Kumar Debnath, under Section 71 of the Assam Panchayati Raj Act, 1986, expired on March 31, 2022.
More than two years later, the establishment remains fully functional, with no publicly available evidence of licence renewal or temporary authorization.
The continued operation of the business without a valid trade licence constitutes a direct violation of local governance norms and raises serious questions about enforcement by licensing authorities.
Concerns extend to the business’s tax compliance status. The shop was previously registered under GSTIN 18ASTPD9531A1ZP as a Composition Scheme holder.
However, sources confirm that the GST registration was suo motu cancelled by the GST department.
Despite this, the enterprise is allegedly continuing commercial transactions and issuing bills, an act that would amount to misrepresentation and a breach of GST laws, potentially impacting consumers and resulting in revenue loss to the public exchequer.
The controversy deepens over the land on which the unit is operating.
The proprietor claims the premises to be an AOD GM Plot, yet has reportedly failed to produce any documentary proof, including the GM Plot number or written permission from AOD authorities allowing construction or commercial use.
An unverified claim has been made that the land was allotted nearly 80 years ago, but legal experts emphasize that such assertions, without supporting documentation, do not establish ownership or usage rights, particularly for commercial purposes, which require explicit authorization from the competent AOD authority.
Sources further reveal that the proprietor was previously a registered contractor with IOC AOD Digboi, adding another dimension to the matter.
Adding to public concern is the revelation that the disposal materials business is reportedly financed by Digboi Gramin Vikash Bank under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).
The alleged extension of government-backed financial assistance to a business operating without a valid trade licence, cancelled GST registration, and unresolved land authorization has sparked questions about due diligence at the institutional level.
The issue assumes greater seriousness due to the shop’s proximity to the Digboi Refinery, a critical oil installation.
The establishment is reportedly located barely 10 metres from the refinery’s boundary wall. Such installations are governed by strict safety, security, and buffer zone norms.
The presence of an unauthorized commercial unit so close to refinery infrastructure poses potential risks, including fire hazards, industrial accidents, security breaches, and environmental threats.
The nature of the business further compounds these risks. Disposal item manufacturing and supply typically involve the storage of paper, plastic, and other combustible materials.
Operating such a unit near petroleum infrastructure without documented safety clearances or authorization is being widely viewed as hazardous and irresponsible.
Despite the apparent violations and safety concerns, the establishment has reportedly continued operations without visible administrative action.
This has led to growing unease among local residents and observers, who question how an unlicensed and tax-noncompliant enterprise can function unchecked in a strategically sensitive area.
The lack of response from the concerned authorities has raised uncomfortable questions about regulatory oversight, institutional accountability, and enforcement mechanisms.
There is now increasing public demand for immediate intervention by the district administration, Golai Gaon Panchayat, AOD Management, and relevant enforcement agencies.
Citizens and civil groups are calling for a comprehensive inspection of the site, verification of land ownership and authorization, scrutiny of government-backed financing, enforcement of licensing and taxation laws, and the sealing or removal of unauthorized commercial establishments operating near the refinery.
Observers note that the incident reflects a broader pattern of unchecked commercialization and lax enforcement in sensitive industrial zones.
Experts warn that failure to act decisively could not only undermine the rule of law but also pose serious risks to public safety and critical national infrastructure.
As of this report, no official response has been issued by the concerned departments.
However, the matter is expected to draw the attention of higher administrative, financial, and safety authorities in the coming days.