Truck drivers’ association demands licence freeze
From Our Correspondent
JOWAI, March 25: The Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA), Jaintia Unit, has expressed concern over an RTI reply from the JHADC revealing that 43 non-local transporters are currently operating in the region.
Speaking after a meeting at Mihmyntdu on Wednesday, MCTODA spokesperson Wanchwa Nongtdu stated that these 43 transporters account for approximately 2,150 trucks. He noted that while one non-local transporter alone operates around 50 trucks, local truck owners are struggling to secure work.
Nongtdu highlighted a significant disparity in work allocation, noting that after a previous protest, the government allotted only 40 trucks to be shared among three local associations—JHTOA, EJHTOA, and MCTODA. This represents less than 6% of the transport share compared to the fleet operated by non-locals supplying cement factories.
The association pointed out that local truckers are currently limited to about four trips per month, making it difficult to meet bank loan installments. This financial strain has reportedly led to the repossession of several local vehicles. Nongtdu alleged that these non-local operations are draining local resources and depriving indigenous people of their livelihoods.
Warning of “strong action,” the MCTODA urged the Council to immediately stop renewing trading licenses for non-local operators. The association also criticised the JHADC Executive Committee for failing to provide clear explanations on the matter when questioned by MDCs during recent sessions.
