NONGPOH: Members of three NGOs, including KSU, in Ri Bhoi district which are facing allegations of extortion met the manager of a toll plaza on Monday to seek clarification.
Anup Bal, Manager, Eagle Infra India Ltd, a company allotted for collecting toll at the NHAI Toll Plaza told media persons that there is no such money being given by the company to any NGO in the district and “the allegations are baseless”.
Earlier, around 25 local youths, who were employed in this toll plaza with the previous company, Sahakar Global Ltd, alleged that they lost their jobs because the salary meant for them had to be paid to NGO leaders.
However, Bal informed that these youths were terminated because of their poor performance.
“They didn’t go to work but received their monthly salary of Rs 5,500 each during their time with the Sahakar Global Ltd. However, now that Eagle Infra India Ltd is taking over this toll plaza, we can no longer give salary to people who don’t work,” he added.
“If these 25 youths still want to work with the company, they are most welcome but their posting will not be in this 20th Mile Toll Plaza but anywhere where the company operates either in other districts or states,” Bal added.
He also informed that as of now, as many as 54 local youths were employed in this particular toll plaza and that there is no more vacancy to accommodate the 25 “sleeping employees”.
KSU North Khasi Hills president Ferdynald Kharkamni, Ri Bhoi Youth Federation. president Bipul Thangkhiew, Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (North Khasi Hills) vice president and general secretary Lumlang Mawnai and Lui Lyngdoh along with Pahammawlein headman, Jayand Sylliang condemned the 25 youths for spreading canards.
It was alleged that the three NGOs would collect money from travellers on NH.
