Shillong, Oct 22: The Meghalaya Trucker’s Union (MTU) has urged the state government to make legal provisions that can reserve at least 85% of the transportation of cement, clinker, coke and any other products produced by the industries within the state of Meghalaya for local truckers.

In a memorandum submitted to Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, during their meeting with him here on Friday, a delegation of MTU said the reason for demanding transportation upto 85% for local truckers is because big companies like Star Cement have bought more than 250 trucks for the transport of their products to various states of the country.

“If one company owns 500-600 trucks, what will be the condition of the local truckers. We will be unemployed and how will we bring food to our table,” asked a members of the Union.

He said the local truck drivers are facing a lot of problems due to the insufficient number of trips given by the cement factories. At the same time, transportation of cement and clinker is mostly being done by the truckers from outside the state and with trucks owned by the companies, which has affected the local truckers.

Additionally, the Union suggested the need to amend the Meghalaya Industry Policy, 2012, by adding the word ‘Employment’ in the policy so that it will benefit the local truckers.

On the response of the Dy CM, a member of the Union said the Dy CM has assured to discuss this matter with the cement companies.

“Due to the model code of conduct, the Dy CM cannot intervene in the said matter but has assured us just after the election he will call for a negotiation between us and the companies” informed the member.