By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 7: Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) spokesperson, Wanshuwa Nongtdu, has stated that he harbours no regret over his removal as the deputy chairman of the Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) Board, while asserting that genuine public service outweighs the value of any official position.
Nongtdu was removed through a government order issued on November 18, days after he openly supported the association’s protest against cement companies.
Speaking to media persons, he said the termination initially shocked him but the feeling passed quickly. “I was affected for a few minutes when I received the termination letter but after reflecting, I asked myself—what use is fame or honour if I cannot serve my own people?” he said.
Nongtdu said he had always known that joining the association would eventually put him at odds with the government. “From the day I joined, I understood I would have to confront the government. The government would never allow me to stand against it,” he remarked.
Despite holding various positions in the past, including village secretary, headman and later deputy chairman of the MTC, Nongtdu said he often felt he lacked the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
“I felt my existence was useless if I could not help my community,” he said.
After reassessing his responsibilities, Nongtdu said he realised he could serve the public more effectively through the association than by holding a government-appointed post.
Through his work with the association, Nongtdu said he has witnessed the struggles of many people, especially widows raising children on their own while battling economic hardships.
He added that the association’s leadership shares a strong commitment to community welfare, which strengthened his decision to dedicate himself fully to the organisation. “It dawned on me to resign and commit myself to helping the public,” he said.
Meanwhile, the association has decided to remind the state government of its commitment to revise transportation rates for cement and clinker from the current Rs 7 per metric ton per km to Rs 9 per metric ton per km.
Nongtdu said the association will send a reminder to the Transport department on Monday, urging it to notify the new rates.
He expressed concern that although the government had agreed on November 13 to notify the revised rates, cement companies later expressed their inability to comply during a meeting on November 27.
Despite the rates not being notified, truckers in Meghalaya have started transporting cement and clinkers from December 1. “Even though they have resumed work, disappointment is written on their faces,” he observed.
Nongtdu also clarified that the allocation of 120 trucks per day for transportation is not meant solely for the association members but also includes other truckers’ associations in Jaintia Hills.
