Khliehriat, November 15: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Jaintia Hills, comprising the East Jaintia Hills Truck Owner & Transporter Association (EJHTOTA) and the Jaintia Hills Truck Owners Association (JHTOA), has expressed its gratitude to the two Deputy Chief Ministers of Meghalaya, Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar, who is in charge of the Transport Department, and Shri Prestone Tynsong, who is in charge of the Home Department, for their concern and timely intervention in resolving the issues that had emerged over the past two weeks.
These issues surfaced after the Meghalaya Cement Transporters Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) launched an agitation against cement factories in East Jaintia Hills by blocking all trucks carrying cement and clinker from the factories. The agitation was to press the companies to increase transport rates and address other long-pending demands of local truck owners, transporters and drivers — concerns that the JAC has also been raising from time to time before both the factories and the State Government.
The JAC clarified that it had originally intended to release this message of gratitude on the night of November 13, immediately after the successful stakeholders’ meeting convened by the government. However, due to unavoidable circumstances faced by JAC leaders, the statement could not be issued earlier.
Through this press note, the JAC conveys its sincere appreciation to both Deputy Chief Ministers for their leadership and seriousness in addressing the concerns of stakeholders. In the meeting held on November 13 at the Conference Hall, Main Secretariat, Shillong, which was attended by all stakeholders including MCTODA, EJHTOTA, JHTOA and representatives of cement factories, the intervention of the two Deputy Chief Ministers led to the successful settlement of major demands raised by local truck owners, transporters and drivers.
The cement companies agreed to increase the transport rate for cement and clinker to ₹9 per ton per kilometer, including the truck quota system. As for the remaining pending demands, the cement companies sought one week’s time to present their decisions in another meeting scheduled for November 21.
The JAC further appealed to the State Government, through both Deputy Chief Ministers, to continue supporting and speaking up for the rights and welfare of local truck owners and transporters in the upcoming meeting, particularly regarding the remaining unresolved issues. The Committee expressed hope that the government will continue to stand with the stakeholders and ensure a fair and just outcome for all.
