Shillong, Nov 6: The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, on Thursday clarified regarding the facts relating to the ongoing strike called by the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) against cement factories operating in the district.
A statement issued by the deputy commissioner Shivansh Awasthi said following the announcement of the strike from October 27 , the District Administration promptly initiated a dialogue process to resolve the issue through consultation with all stakeholders. A coordination meeting was held on October 30 at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Khliehriat, which was attended by representatives of the Jaintia Hills Cement Manufacturers Association (JHCMA), the Jaintia Hills Truck Owners Association (JHTOA) and the East Jaintia Hills Truck Owners and Transporters Association (EJHTOTA).
Despite being formally invited, MCTODA declined to attend the meeting. The other two associations—JHTOA and EJHTOTA—confirmed that they are operating smoothly with the cement plants and do not support the strike. They also submitted written communications expressing their commitment to maintain normal transportation activities.
Subsequent meetings were convened on October 31 and November 3 between the JHCMA and MCTODA, chaired by the deputy commissioner to discuss the demands raised by MCTODA. The demands included enforcement of notified freight rates, prevention of overloading, priority loading for local trucks, parking arrangements, timely freight payments, and labour compliance.
After detailed discussions, it was clarified by the JHCMA that the state government notified freight rates for intra-state transportation within Meghalaya have already been implemented in full by all cement plants operating in the district.
However, MCTODA has demanded that the same notified rates be applied to inter-state transportation.
“It is important to note that no such provision exists in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and no state government can notify transportation rates for inter -state transportation. Inter-state freight rates are determined by prevailing market conditions, distance, and mutual agreement between the consignor and the transporter. Therefore, the demand to impose state-notified rates on inter-state routes is illegal and beyond the legal jurisdiction of the state government.
Despite most of their other concerns being accepted by the cement plants, MCTODA refused to withdraw the strike and continued to obstruct the movement of trucks carrying cement and clinker along National Highway-6, disrupting essential transport and public movement. Reports have also been received of incidents involving damage to vehicles and harassment of non-participating drivers. The district police of East Khasi Hills have therefore taken lawful measures to clear blockades, restore traffic, and ensure the safety of all road users.
Meanwhile, representatives of JHTOA and EJHTOTA have expressed deep concern that their livelihoods are being adversely affected due to the illegal obstruction caused by the strike. They have sought administrative support to ensure free and safe passage of their vehicles and requested inclusion in all future consultations on transport and freight-related issues.
The district administration reiterated that it remains committed to resolving industrial and transport-related issues through lawful dialogue and coordination. While every association has the right to raise genuine concerns, no group will be permitted to take law into their own hands, block public highways, or disrupt movement of essential goods and services.
The administration will continue to engage with all stakeholders—MCTODA, JHTOA, EJHTOTA, and JHCMA—to reach a fair and sustainable solution while upholding law and order, ensuring the free flow of traffic, and protecting the livelihood of transport workers across the district, the official said.
