Cement and clinker movement from Meghalaya has come to a standstill since October 27 due to an illegal strike called by the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners Association (MCTOA). The blockade has disrupted dispatches from all major cement plants in Jaintia Hills, leading to an acute shortage of cement across Meghalaya and all North Eastern States. The strike was called by the newly formed MCTOA, demanding that government-notified transport rates should be given for inter state transportation outside the state of Meghalaya.
This demand has no legal validity, since the fixation of freight for inter-state movement falls exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Union Government as per the Constitution of India. Transportation rates within the State are already implemented in full compliance with the Government of Meghalaya’s notifications dated November 5 and 17, 2020. These rates are followed by all cement plants through two recognized associations — the Jaintia Hills Truck Owners Association (JHTOA) and the East Jaintia Hills Truck Owners Association (EJHTOA) — ensuring smooth operations for the past several years.
The ongoing obstruction has halted dispatches, disrupted supply chains, and affected construction activity throughout the region. All cement plants are closed for last several days. Immediate administrative intervention has been sought to restore movement of goods, ensure safe passage of trucks, and prevent further economic disruption in the industrial and infrastructure sectors.