Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) member from Saphai Rikut N Parien and two others have filed a complaint against the collection of tax at the Pasyih Toll Plaza on NH 6 in West Jaintia Hills. The complaint submitted to the Deputy Commissioner on Wednesday alleges that vehicles from Laskein C&RD Block and 8th Mile (Phramer) are forced to pay tax despite traveling only about 4/5 km.
The memorandum states the tax is unjustified as West Jaintia Hills vehicles (ML-04 registration) pay the same amount as those traveling to East Jaintia Hills or other Meghalaya states. “The said tax is unjustified as we are forced to pay the same amount as those vehicles traveling to East Jaintia Hills and neighbouring States of Meghalaya,” the complaint reads.
A January 6, 2023 meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner decided that West Jaintia Hills vehicles should be exempted from the toll. “It was unanimously decided that vehicles bearing West Jaintia Hills Registration Number (ML-04) should be exempted from paying the tax,” the letter notes.