By Our Reporter
Shillong: The FKJGP central body along with the Meghalaya Automobile Accessories Association (MAAA) has urged the State Government to reconsider its direction to implement the High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) even in old cars in the State.
While the MAAA expressed concern over the implementation of the HSRP on grounds that the workers employed in making vehicle registration plates will be “oppressed”, the FKJGP strongly opposed the move stating that the decision has ‘ulterior motives’.
In their meeting with the Transport Minister, AT Mondal here on Thursday, the two organisations apprised the minister of their grievances and opposition of the government decision.
“Our right to living has been taken away by the State Government through its dominating attitude,” MAAA publicity secretary Marr Lanong said.
Lanong also said that the Association has put forward a request to the government to allow the side windows of the vehicles to have at least 50 per cent of the visual light transmission and windscreen while requesting for at least 30 per cent for the rear windows.
According to the MAAA, most of the youths who earn their living by making number plates have now become jobless.
Reacting to this, Transport Minister AT Mondal assured the Association that he would look into the matter and consult the same with the Superintendent of Police while suggesting the Association to draft a letter to the respective SP apprising him of their grievances.
Meanwhile, FKJGP publicity secretary Eldie N Lyngdoh while opposing this move has asked the State Government to give its assurance on the level of security these HRSPs can provide from cars being stolen and retrieved.
According to the FKJGP, none of the stolen vehicles in the state have been tracked despite the claims made that the security plates would prevent theft.
The Federation though has raised no objection on the implementation of the HSRP on new cars.
They have also claimed that amongst all the north eastern states, Meghalaya is the only state which is implementing the HSRP. “The question that arises is why is the state government in the rush to implement the HSRP and keep the other acts directed by the Supreme Court at bay?” Lyngdoh questioned.
The Federation further alleged that there were ulterior motives behind the implementation alleging that amongst all the directions of the Supreme Court, the Government prefers to follow only those which benefits it.