By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 13: The East Khasi Hills Local Taxi Welfare Association (EKHLTWA) has strongly opposed the Transport Department’s proposal to mandate the installation of tracking devices in all commercial vehicles across Meghalaya, citing economic hardship and lack of clarity in implementation.
Led by its president Wandonbok Jyrwa, the association on Tuesday met Commissioner of Transport Ashish M. Sangma at his office in Sawlad to raise concerns over the Centre-directed scheme.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Jyrwa said the association has consistently maintained that locally operating commercial vehicles—including taxis and buses—should be exempted for the time being.
“We want to first see how effective this tracking device is. We do not want a repeat of the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) issue, which had several shortcomings,” Jyrwa said.
He added that the association had suggested rolling out the scheme initially for government vehicles, government undertakings, school buses, and university buses—a proposal that was earlier accepted.
However, Jyrwa expressed surprise over reports from Jaintia Hills, Ri-Bhoi, and other parts of the Khasi–Jaintia region, where vehicle owners have allegedly been asked to install the devices from Thursday onwards.
“What is discussed is one thing, but what is being implemented on the ground is completely different,” he said.
The EKHLTWA also highlighted Meghalaya’s unique economic conditions, stressing that Shillong is not a metro city with round-the-clock commercial activity. “Most drivers drove their taxis only during the day. Our economy is different and has not fully recovered since the COVID-19 pandemic,” Jyrwa stated.
He further raised concerns over the financial burden on drivers, pointing out that vehicle owners already pay multiple taxes.
“After installing the device, we will have to recharge it regularly. With existing taxes and new charges from the device company, how many more taxes are we expected to pay?” he questioned.
For now, officials have assured that local commercial vehicles and buses will be temporarily relaxed and allowed to renew their documents, while the matter is referred to the state government for further decision.
