SHILLONG : The Meghalaya Commercial Truck and Owner Drivers Association (MCTODA) held a general meeting on Friday to discuss various problems and challenges faced by truck owners and drivers in the state.
The meeting focused on several issues affecting the livelihood of local truck drivers, including competition from vehicles operated by people from outside the state, alleged weight loss of government-supplied FCI rice and the lack of designated parking facilities for trucks.
Local truckers allege competition from outside vehicles
Speaking to the media, MCTODA member Mosklandar Marngar expressed concern over the difficulties faced by local people who depend on truck driving for their livelihood.
He alleged that local truck drivers are increasingly being left as mere spectators while vehicles from outside the state are being allowed to operate and take away opportunities that could otherwise benefit local truckers.
Marngar said the issue has become a matter of concern for people in the state who depend on truck driving as their primary source of income.
MCTODA raises concern over FCI rice weight loss
The association also discussed the alleged loss of weight of government-supplied rice, particularly FCI rice transported from Assam into Meghalaya.
According to Marngar, the association has received concerns that the quantity of rice transported from Assam appears to reduce by the time it reaches Meghalaya.
He claimed that the alleged shortage is particularly serious in the Nongstoin area.
The association has decided to take up the matter with the concerned authorities and plans to submit a representation to higher authorities seeking clarification and intervention into the alleged weight loss of FCI rice.
Truck parking remains another major concern
The meeting also discussed the difficulties faced by truck drivers due to restrictions on parking vehicles along the roadside.
Marngar said truck drivers often travel long distances but face problems finding suitable places to stop and rest because they are not allowed to park along the roads.
He said the issue creates considerable difficulties for drivers, particularly those undertaking long-distance journeys.
The association is expected to approach the government soon and seek intervention to find a practical solution, including the creation of suitable places where trucks can safely stop and drivers can take rest during long journeys.
MCTODA said it will continue to raise issues affecting truck owners and drivers and seek appropriate measures from the government to address their concerns.