Truckers of the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) launched an indefinite protest at Jowai Bypass, halting cement and clinker transport across Jaintia Hills. The strike demands enforcement of state-approved freight rates by local industries. Despite government appeals, the protest continues with no resolution yet, affecting supply to factories in East Jaintia Hills.
“On Monday, adhoc school teachers under the Federation of All School Teachers of Meghalaya (FASTOM) commenced a protest march followed by an indefinite sit-in, demanding the state government upgrade their status from adhoc to deficit system. Speaking to reporters, FASTOM vice president S. Jungai highlighted years of unmet promises and urged the government to formulate a clear policy to abolish the adhoc system while ensuring equal salaries and benefits for these teachers. Currently, adhoc teachers receive significantly lower pay despite having qualifications equal to their deficit system counterparts, with monthly salaries ranging from Rs 18,000 for lower primary to Rs 33,000 for higher secondary teachers. The federation also demands a 5% annual increment and an increase in the retirement age from 60 to 65. Despite submitting demands earlier and repeated calls for pay revision, the state education commission has yet to recommend changes. Citing financial constraints, the government has delayed reforms, but the teachers pledged to continue their agitation until their demands are met, warning of a possible intensification of the movement if no response is forthcoming.”
Street vendors under the Meghalaya Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers Association (MGSPHA) staged a sit-in at the Shillong Municipal Board office, demanding the immediate issuance of Certificates of Vending (CoVs) and transparency in the allocation of vending spaces. The protesters condemned delays in granting CoVs and denounced the relocation of vendors to allegedly cramped and unsuitable vending zones, particularly at the MUDA Parking Lot and opposite the SBI Main Branch.
Democratic rights activist Angela Rangad emphasized the urgent need to convene the Provisional Town Vending Committee (PTVC), the only legal authority empowered to review vending applications and address grievances. Rangad criticized the Shillong Municipal Board for unilaterally handling the process and warned that bypassing the PTVC could lead to favoritism or corruption.
Vendors asserted that many eligible hawkers have been left without livelihoods for weeks, and they threatened to escalate protests unless the PTVC is urgently called into session and transparent procedures are followed. The sit-in will continue until the authorities respond to their demands and initiate due process as outlined by law.
Nihar Chandra Nath has been reported missing since July 9 after starting his journey from Guwahati to Silchar on a scooter bearing registration number MH14K K2194. His last contact was at 2:15 PM in Meghalaya. Family and authorities are seeking public assistance with any information that could help trace his whereabouts.
Barak Bolchhe!
