SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Operators Association (MCTOOA) has urged Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to set up government integrated checkgates within the state.
In a memorandum submitted to the chief minister, MCTOOA president Taiphur Wardkhar said that there are too many weighbridges run by the Transport Department in the state which have become a problem as trucks have to pay each weighbridge in order to pass through.
Wardkhar also said that setting up weighbridges by individuals and businessmen has gone unchecked by the state government.
“These business people are first identified and then promoted by the government at the expense of the poor. The rules of installation and regulation of weighbridges in Meghalaya opens an opportunity for the government to accept applications from any Tom, Dick and Harry for construction of weighbridges which are subsequently utilized by the government. Once the application is approved, the person is given the title of “licensee” and a license to collect Rs 200 from every truck plying on the highway,” Wardkhar said.
The government then asks the licensee to share the loot and calls it as an annual premium which ranges from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore from every weighbridge, he said.
This is such a luxurious business which is licensed, protected and patronised by Meghalaya government. Such type of business exists only in Meghalaya. The government has forgotten the fact that the transport department is not a revenue earning department but a regulatory one, he said.
“There is a clear cut policy of the state government in 2010 which has barred the establishment of new and individual/ stand alone weighbridges. The policy is clear that only the joint and integrated checkgates shall be allowed and are to be collectively run and operated by various revenue earning departments of the state,” he added.
Wardkhar concluded by urging the chief minister to look into the matter and by stating that integrated checkgates will help in reducing illegal tolls and taxes collected by various government agencies along the highways as private parties will not be able to gain access into such establishments.
