Guwahati: Local commercial truck owners and drivers in Meghalaya have raised concerns over shrinking employment opportunities, restrictions on highway parking and alleged irregularities in the transportation of government foodgrain consignments.
The issues were discussed during a general meeting of the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) at Laitkor on Friday.
MCTODA chairman Moslander Marngar said local truck operators are facing increasing difficulties in maintaining their livelihoods as transport-related opportunities become more limited across the state.
One of the key concerns raised at the meeting was the alleged practice of “kilo cutting” in the transportation of government rice. Marngar alleged that unauthorised deductions in the weight of consignments are taking place, particularly in the Nongstoiñ area, adding that such practices put additional financial pressure on truck owners already dealing with rising operating expenses.
The association also objected to restrictions preventing trucks from stopping along highways. According to the MCTODA, the rules have affected drivers’ ability to operate efficiently and have had a direct impact on their daily earnings.
Another major concern was the alleged preference for non-local transporters in Meghalaya’s industrial sector. Marngar claimed that local truck owners are being denied opportunities to transport materials from cement factories, with operators from outside the state allegedly receiving greater access to such work.
He also pointed to the changing nature of the coal transportation sector, saying local truckers who previously depended on the trade for income are now struggling to secure work.
“Today, local truck owners have become mere spectators,” Marngar said, alleging that trucks from outside Meghalaya are being used to transport coal while local operators remain excluded.
The association called for government intervention to address the concerns and ensure that local transporters receive a fair share of economic opportunities generated within the state. It maintained that indigenous truck owners and drivers should not be pushed out of the state’s transport economy.