Shillong, September 28, 2026: Truck drivers working for Star Cement at Lumshnong in East Jaintia Hills district have accused the company of exploitation, discrimination and withholding employment-related benefits, alleging that local Khasi-Jaintia drivers are being replaced by drivers from outside Meghalaya.

Speaking to the media, the drivers raised concerns over unpaid travel allowances, changes in the reimbursement of expenses and the alleged absence of official employment documents.

One of the drivers, Tious Six Pakma, claimed that the travel allowances provided by the company had remained unpaid for the past five to six months.

According to Pakma, the drivers had staged a protest and approached the Deputy Commissioner’s office seeking intervention, but their grievances remained unresolved.

“After we staged the protest, another problem arose. The company now wants to remove us, the Khasi-Jaintia drivers, and replace us with drivers from outside the state,” Pakma alleged.

He further claimed that several local Khasi drivers had already been replaced by people from outside Meghalaya.

Another driver, Lovingson Shadap, alleged that the company had previously covered travel and food expenses, along with costs arising from accidents and other incidents involving its vehicles. However, he claimed that drivers were now being required to bear a larger share of these expenses themselves.

Shadap also alleged that salary deductions could be imposed if incidents occurred during a journey, including the theft of fuel or vehicle parts and damage to tyres.

Meanwhile, Romania Dkhar raised concerns over the documentation of employment. He said the company had collected the necessary documents from drivers at the time of their appointment but had not provided them with appointment letters or other official papers confirming their employment status.

The drivers have called for intervention to address their grievances regarding unpaid allowances, employment security, financial liabilities and the alleged replacement of local workers.

The allegations could not be independently verified. Star Cement’s response to the claims was not immediately available.