Govt assures to clear payment to tourist taxis engaged for COVID-19 duty: Tynsong

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 1, 2020

The Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday assured that the state government will soon clear the outstanding dues to the tourist taxis and buses engaged for COVID-19 duties in the state.

The assurance came after the Meghalaya Travelers & Transporters Welfare Association (MTTWA) has expressed concern over the problems faced by the owners and drivers of the tourist taxis and buses due to the non-receipt of payment for the past five months.

When asked, Tynsong said he is sorry to know that the tourist taxi owners and drivers are facing crises due to the issue.

“Now, we are taking up this matter and assurance is given that very soon all outstanding dues will be cleared by the state government,” he said.

Later after meeting him, MTTWA secretary, Aldin Kharchandy informed that the government has not paid even a single paise to over 110 tourist taxis and 69 buses engaged for COVID-19 during the past five months.

He said moreover, there is no settlement or agreement regarding the fares to be paid before starting the duty and due to this, the drivers are not aware of the amount they are supposed to get per day.

According to him, the owners are also at the receiving end as without receiving any bills, they are not in a position to pay their drivers.

“Due to this, the drivers are facing hardships and mental distress in feeding and supporting their families with essential commodities, day to day expenses and above all in paying their debts,” Kharchandy said.

“We have urged the deputy chief minister for his intervention and he has assured that the government will address the matter at the earliest,” the secretary also informed.

In their memorandum submitted to Tynsong, the association said while dropping the passengers to Tura, the drivers are not being provided with the basic needs like food and water especially during this pandemic where they need to keep their immunity strong.

The association also alleged that there is lack of medical facilities besides proper checkup, and need for sanitization of the vehicles.