Meghalaya Government puts odd-even system on hold after taxi drivers protest

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 13, 2023

The state government on Thursday decided to keep on hold imposition of the odd-even system on public transport vehicles plying from Kachari point towards Khyndailad and Motphran areas.

The decision was taken after taxi drivers had parked their vehicles at Shillong civil hospital junction as a mark of protest against the odd-even system. This has resulted in massive traffic jams in the entire Shillong city.

After chairing a review meeting, deputy chief minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong said, “We have taken a decision that this order of odd-even will be immediately kept on hold. The government will again sit to review all details before taking the next step.”

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He also assured, “Whatever decision to be taken, it should be for the interest of everybody and every citizen of the state of Meghalaya.”

Earlier, taxi drivers were refusing to move their vehicles despite requests by the district administration. There were also heated arguments with the police and magistrates.

Speaking to media persons, president of the East Khasi Hills Local Taxi Welfare Association (EKHLTWA) Wandonbok Jyrwa alleged that the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi had taken this decision of imposing odd-even without consultation with local taxi drivers who earn their livelihood through ferrying passengers in these three areas.

“How are we going to fulfil our needs in the family when we are allowed to ply only 15 days in a month? Do our children eat only 15 days in a month?” the drivers asked while engaging in heated arguments with the police and magistrates.