Shillong: The State Government has agreed to key demands of truck owners and drivers transporting cement, following a crucial meeting on Thursday with various transport bodies, including the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Driver’s Association (MCTODA).
Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Transport, Sniawbhalang Dhar, announced that the rate for transporting cement will be revised, with the Government approving a payment of ₹9 per tonne per kilometre. He said a fresh agreement will now be worked out between cement companies and truckers’ associations to ensure the revised rates do not burden the public.
In a significant relief to local truckers, the Government has also increased the daily quota of trips from 80 to 120 trucks per day. Dhar said that from Friday, 100 trips will be allotted immediately to local transporters, with the remaining 20 to be added in the coming days.
However, the Government has ruled out the demand to fix transport charges for trucks travelling outside Meghalaya. Citing legal advice from the Law Department and the Advocate General, Dhar clarified that the State has no authority to regulate interstate freight rates.
On the arrest of three MCTODA leaders earlier this week, the Deputy Chief Minister said the issue falls under the Home Department. He added that the concerned officials will soon hold discussions on the matter.
