Resolve fuss between transporters & manufacturers over transportation charges

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 17, 2020

Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has directed the deputy commissioner of East Jaintia Hills to hold a meeting with the truck owners and cement companies to resolve the confusion pertaining to the revised fare for goods carriage trucks.

“There is some confusion about the notification issued by the department in January this year. I have asked the DC to take necessary steps to resolve the issue,” Dhar told reporters after a meeting with the delegation of truck owners under the banner of the Joint Action Committee on Wednesday.

He said the meeting will be convened on Thursday. “We will also try to come up with a solution which is acceptable to both parties,” Dhar added.

Earlier, the delegation has also met the Commissioner  & Secretary in-charge Transport MR Synrem for his intervention into the matter.

President of the Jaintia Hills Truck Owners’ Association (JHTOA) Nidamon Chullet alleged that the cement factories have failed to comply with the government notification which has revised the fare for goods carriage trucks.

According to the notification, the fare has been increased to Rs 9 per MT per kilometer for black topped road, Rs 10 for graveled road and Rs 12 for kutcha road.

“However, the cement factories are adamant to implement the government notification and are still sticking to the old rates,” he said.

There are over 3,000 trucks engaged in carrying cement products and clinkers for eight cement factories in East Jaintia Hills.

Asked, vice chairman of the JAC Nehemayah Tyngkan said that the cement factories maintained that cement products are not goods and the notification does not apply to them. “However, when clarification was sought, the Commissioner & Secretary has made it clear that goods also included cement products and clinkers,” he said.

Meanwhile, the JAC has also called for an indefinite strike from June 15, as a mark of protest against the failure of the cement factories to comply with the government notification.   

“If the cement companies continue to be adamant we will be compelled to go ahead with the indefinite strike,” Chullet said.