Truckers’ bodies welcome decision ** Cement cos to decide on truck ‘quota’
Shillong, Nov 13: The state government has decided to implement a uniform transportation rate of Rs 9 per tonne per kilometre for cement and clinker transportation within the state. Earlier, the rate was Rs 7 to Rs 11 per tonne per km depending on the size and nature of consignment.
The government resolution was declared following a meeting between two deputy chief ministers – Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar – and representatives of Jaintia Hills Cement Manufacturers Association and three major transporter associations – Jaintia Hills Truck Owners & Drivers Association, East Jaintia Hills Truck Owners & Transporter Association, and Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners & Drivers Association.
The meeting was convened following a violent protest staged by Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) at Mawryngkneng junction in East Khasi Hills.
The meeting was “very positive”, said Sniawbhalang Dhar told reporters after the meeting.
He said the meeting discussed several issues while deferred some for further discussion next week.
The newly fixed rate at Rs 9 replaces the previously fluctuating range of Rs 7– Rs 11 per tonne per km, a move welcomed by all transporters present, he said.
However, he made it clear that the Rs 9 rate applies only to intra‑state transport i.e within Meghalaya. Overloading and rates beyond Meghalaya were not part of the agenda, he said.
Dhar informed that the government has also pressed for a 120‑truck quota for local vehicles, of which 80 trucks are already in place.
“They (cement association) agreed for 100 but we are pushing for another 20,” he said adding, “The cement manufacturers were given one week to finalise the quota decision.”
He informed that a follow‑up meeting is scheduled for November 21, to conclude the matter.
On the other hand, MCTODA president M Marngar said his organization had highlighted how cement plants were “squeezing” transportation rates by offering fluctuating payments of Rs 7– Rs11 per tonne per kilometre for cement and clinker.
“If you don’t want to give us Rs 11 per tonne, you should provide a fixed rate. Don’t give this range of Rs 7 to Rs 11, which gives them a chance to squeeze the stakeholders who are truck owners and drivers,” Marngar explained.
He welcomed the decision taken in Thursday’s meeting with the two Deputy Chief Ministers that decided to fix the transportation rate at Rs 9 per tonne per kilometre for intra‑state movement.
However, he pointed out a stark disparity in truck deployment, saying, “The trucks used by the cement factories from outside the state number 1,000–2,000 per day, whereas only 80 trucks (belonging to the Jaintia Hills Truckers Association and East Jaintia Hills Truck Owners Association) from within the state operate daily.”
He expressed dissatisfaction with this arrangement and reiterated the demand that local trucks be given priority since the factories are set up in Meghalaya.
“The cement factories have conveyed during the meeting that they would first sit for a meeting before taking a call on this,” Marngar added.
Both deputy chief ministers assured that the cement associations will come up with a decision within a week.
