SHILLONG, NOV 13: A meeting convened by the two deputy chief ministers – Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar – has resolved to set up a uniform transportation rate of Rs 9 per tonne per kilometre for cement and clinker movement within Meghalaya.
The decision was welcomed by the representatives oof the Jaintia Hills Cement Manufacturers Association and the three major transporter associations (Jaintia Hills Truck Owners & Drivers Association, East Jaintia Hills Truck Owners & Transporter Association, and Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners & Drivers Association) during the meeting held at the main secretariat on Thursday.
The meeting was convened following the violent protest staged by the MCTODA at Mawryngkneng junction.
Addressing media persons after the meeting, deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said the meeting was “very positive,” with several issues addressed and others deferred for further discussion next week.
The newly fixed rate at Rs 9 replaces the previously fluctuating range of Rs 7– Rs 11 per tonne‑km, a move welcomed by all transporters present, he said.
According to him, the 9 rate applies only to intra‑state transport. Overloading and rates beyond Meghalaya were not part of the agenda.
Dhar informed that the government has also pressed for a 120‑truck quota for local vehicles, of which 80 trucks are already in place.
“They (cement association) agreed for 100 but we are pushing for another 20,” he said adding “The cement manufacturers were given one week to finalize the quota decision.”
He informed that a follow‑up meeting is scheduled for November 21, to conclude the matter.
On the other hand, MCTODA president M Marngar said his organization had highlighted how cement plants were “squeezing” transportation rates by offering fluctuating payments of Rs 7– Rs11 per tonne‑kilometre for cement and clinker.
“After a long discussion, to avoid all confrontation if you don’t want to give us Rs 11 per ton, you should provide a fixed rate, don’t give this range of Rs 7 to 11, which gives them a chance to squeeze the stakeholders who are truck owners and drivers,” Marngar explained.
He welcomed the outcome of a meeting convened by Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, noting that the two leaders “resolved to fix the transportation rate at Rs 9 per tonne‑kilometre” for intra‑state movement.
Marngar, however, pointed out a stark disparity in truck deployment: “The trucks used by the cement factories from outside the state number 1,000–2,000 per day, whereas only 80 trucks (belonging to the Jaintia Hills Truckers Association and East Jaintia Hills Truck Owners Association) from within the state operate daily.”
He expressed dissatisfaction with this arrangement and reiterated the demand that local trucks be given priority since the factories are set up in Meghalaya.
“The cement factories have conveyed during the meeting that they would first sit for a meeting before taking a call on this,” Marngar added. Both deputy chief ministers assured that the cement associations will come up with a decision within a week.
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