Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pyniaid Sing Syiem has stated that the toll gate, shut down by the district administration, was operated by a third party.
The shut toll gate had been collecting “tax” on various goods entering Meghalaya including essential commodities and was sealed by the Ri-Bhoi district administration yesterday.
The CEM said that though the gate belonged to the KHADC, it was operated by an individual. He said the district council has show-caused the operator, who has to respond within seven days.
Syiem said if the operator does not respond within the timeframe, the council will have to shut down the tollgate.
He justified that toll gates were installed as per provisions of the Sixth Schedule, but most are leased out to the private parties.
Stating that the toll gates of the district council have been in operation for several years, Syiem claimed that a high level committee headed by the Chief Minister had decided that the toll gates can be raised as per the Sixth Schedule, in places where they don’t cause traffic inconveniences.
He further said a working plan was also submitted to the government wherein the district council can regulate trucks entering the state without proper documentation.
Toll gates run by District Councils are illegal since the State government had last year directed all District Councils to close down their toll gates along national highways and State roads.
