SHILLONG– A significant breakthrough was achieved today in the ongoing dispute between cement manufacturers and truck owners’ associations in Meghalaya, leading the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) to suspend its indefinite strike.
Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar, announced that a meeting held between the two deputy chief ministers — Sniawbhalang Dhar and Prestone Tynsong, along with the Cement Association and three different truck associations successfully resolved the rate for transporting goods within the state.
Key Resolution on Transport Rates
Fixed Intra-State Rate: The government has set a unified freight rate of ₹9 per ton per kilometre for all cement transportation within Meghalaya.
This new, agreed-upon rate replaces the previous variable system of ₹7 to ₹11 per ton per kilometre that was only applicable within the state.
Inter-State Rates: The matter of freight rates for transportation outside Meghalaya has been left to be mutually agreed upon between the individual truck unions and the Cement Factories.
Core Demands Pending
While the rate dispute within the state was settled, other crucial demands remain under discussion:
Local Truck Quota: The truck associations, including MCTODA, have requested that the daily quota for local trucks be increased from the current 80 trips to 120 trips per day.
MCTODA President, Moskalender Marngar, stated that non-local and company trucks currently receive up to 2,000 trips daily, making the 80 trips for local trucks insufficient and a source of hardship for local owners.
The Cement Factories have requested time to deliberate on the 120-truck quota demand. A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for November 21 to finalise this issue.
Truckers Applaud Government Intervention
Moskalender Marngar, President of MCTODA, expressed satisfaction with the Deputy CM’s decision, calling the previous variable rate a tool used by companies to “oppress” truck drivers.
”The companies were attempting to enforce a 7-11 rate which allowed them to exploit the drivers. We are glad the Deputy CM understood the hardship of the truck drivers, and in the presence of the Transport Officer, they ordered a fixed rate of ₹9 per ton per kilometre,” Marngar stated.
Deputy Chief Minister has assured the associations that the government will resolve the quota issue and has directed the company management to return to the next meeting with a firm decision on the 120-truck demand.
Background of the Agitation
The meeting today followed weeks of escalating tension and protest:
October 27: MCTODA began its indefinite agitation demanding that cement factories adhere to government-prescribed rates.
November 5: Chaos erupted at Mawryngkneng junction, leading to the arrest of the MCTODA President.
November 11: The President was released from custody.
November 13: Following the successful meeting and resolution of the intra-state rate, MCTODA announced the suspension of its agitation.
