Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Wednesday held a crucial meeting with AKMTTA representatives in Shillong to discuss the matter
With the Christmas and New Year holiday season approaching and a surge in tourist arrivals expected in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, the long-standing issue of restricting outside tourist taxis in Meghalaya has once again come to the fore. However, the Meghalaya government has firmly rejected the demand raised by the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) to impose restrictions on tourist taxis from outside the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Wednesday held a crucial meeting with AKMTTA representatives in Shillong to discuss the matter. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Dhar said the government examined the demand in consultation with the Advocate General, who clearly advised that stopping or restricting outside vehicles is not permissible under existing laws.
“As per law, it is not legal to stop vehicles coming from outside the state. The association has understood this position,” Dhar said, describing the discussions as fruitful.
While rejecting the demand, the government has agreed to pursue alternative measures to support local taxi operators. Dhar said the state will convene a meeting with hotel owners, resort operators and tour operators, requesting them to give preference to local tourist taxis for ferrying visitors to various destinations.
He also emphasized the need for local taxi operators to maintain high service standards. “Vehicles must be fit, neat and clean, and drivers should be disciplined so that tourists have a pleasant experience in the state,” he added.
Another round of discussions at the official level involving the Transport and Tourism departments is scheduled for Thursday to further examine suggestions put forward by the association.
Reacting to the outcome of the meeting, an AKMTTA representative said the association was satisfied with the discussions, though not entirely happy with the outcome. He said the presence of the Advocate General helped clarify the legal challenges involved in implementing any restriction.
“The issue now largely depends on the legal aspects. We hope the government will find a lawful solution that protects the livelihood of local taxi drivers,” the representative said.
The association has maintained that it is not seeking to bar outside vehicles from entering Meghalaya but wants them parked at hotels or designated points, with local taxis used for travel to tourist spots.
Also Read : Meghalaya: KJDSTA Protests Against Govt’s Inaction on DA Hike Demand
