Shillong, Sept 8: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh has asked the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTA) to speak with their counterparts in Assam before going ahead with their decision to ban entry of tourist taxis from outside the state to Meghalaya’s tourist spots.
This came a day after the Tourist Transporter Association of Assam (TTAA) has threatened that the united body of the transporters from Assam may suspend all operations to Meghalaya if the AKMTA implement the ban on Assam registered vehicles from plying to Meghalaya’s tourist spots.
Speaking to media persons on Monday, Lyngdoh while referring to the TTAA’s statement said, “This is precisely what I have forewarned in the past that every action always has a reaction to it. We live in a world where we are mutually dependent. We cannot isolate ourselves and whatever we do has to pass through the test of logic and the law.”
“We have been engaging in discussion with these stakeholders including the transporter associations and again, we would call for and appeal to them to at least speak to their counterparts in Assam,”he stated adding “Now, whenever you have issues which cross the boundaries of Meghalaya and are linked to the neighbouring states, it is only considered befitting that you speak to your counterpart. If KSU has any issues in Assam, they speak to the ASU so likewise we expect these bodies to also speak to their counterparts as they are in the same business.”
Whether the proposed ban is illegal, the minister said, “One is they either possess a national permit or at least a permit of 3 states or more like in the case of the taxi associations, most of them have either national permits or permits that cover Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. As members of the media, I would also encourage you to find out whether these are registered associations with their own office spaces. Do they have their own office spaces? It is also mandatory for them to register themselves with the transport department. Have they complied with that?”
He also asked the AKMTA that, “Now, before you make demands on the state government at least comply to a few basic requirements of the law of the land.”
The minister clarified that Meghalaya’s situation differs from Sikkim’s due to its geographical location as a transit state. Many vehicles pass through Meghalaya, and tourists often visit the state as part of a larger circuit. Lyngdoh pointed out that Sikkim, being an endpoint, has different dynamics.
“Meghalaya is a transit state, which means that a number of vehicles ply through Meghalaya and you can and once it is a transit point, it means that it is not necessary for that car to complete its journey within Meghalaya. You also have tourists, who travel to the North East as a circuit, travelling from Kaziranga to Shillong to Sohra and then go to Silchar. So these are travellers who are on transit,” he said adding “This attempt to mislead by saying that tourist taxis are not allowed from outside of Sikkim, you can find out for yourself that a lot of vehicles from West Bengal are in fact taking tourists to Sikkim.”
On allegations that many drivers have had to surrender the PRIME vehicles due to non-payment of loan, the minister said, “Anybody can make any allegations but as we speak there is a shortage of vehicles that actually serve to ply and bring tourists to various sites.”
Lyngdoh proposed a solution for local transporters, suggesting they partner with homestays, resorts, and hotels to offer services to tourists. He emphasized the advantage of being local and the potential for mutually beneficial agreements.
“Now, the simplest answer I can give through you to the associations and the group is do not forget that you have the advantage of being a local.
Once you are a local what is your problem in connecting with various homestays, resorts, hotels. Talk to them, partner with them, tell them that you have six rooms and any point you have guests, we will bring them to your homestay and in turn you can engage us to take those tourists around. What is the problem in doing that. It is the simplest solution I can offer them. You just ferry tourists from Guwahati, either the Airport or the Train station, have an agreement with the guy who runs a homestay, tell them you are bringing in guests and in turn they will engage the services of that transporter to ferry those tourists in and around Meghalaya. What is the problem in them doing that? Why should the government do that for them?” he further stated.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner & Secretary in-charge Tourism Cyril Diengdoh has stated that the department has had multiple meetings with the AKMTA and is exploring practical solutions.
He informed one potential solution being considered is to subsidize parking fees for Meghalaya-registered taxis at the Guwahati Airport adding this would help level the playing field for local taxis and make them more competitive.
Diengdoh also highlighted the upcoming expansion of the Shillong Airport, which will increase direct air connectivity and potentially boost tourism. This development is expected to bring more tourists directly to the state, benefiting local businesses.
The Commissioner emphasized the complexity of the issue, involving multiple stakeholders, including homestay owners, hoteliers, and local bodies. He stressed the need for careful consideration and engagement with all parties to find a solution that is fair and within the confines of the law.
Diengdoh warned that any decision taken without proper consideration could have adverse consequences, including potential challenges in court. He emphasized the importance of the need for a solution that balances the interests of all stakeholders while ensuring compliance with the law.
“This is something we are engaging, it is not something we are ignoring the demands. Wherever solutions within our jurisdiction are possible we are hopeful that we can implement them but this further requires engagement and study because this has issues which can have consequences which might affect us in a much more adverse manner as people from Meghalaya also goes for medical reasons to Guwahati, Airport or Railway station,” Diengdoh said.
“So we have to look at all parameters before we arrive at any decision and any decision has to be within the confines of law, it has to be legal because if we take a decision which is knee jerk and reactive it can also be challenged in the court of law so we have to be mindful of it,”he added.
 to speak with their counterparts in Assam before going ahead with their decision to ban entry of tourist taxis from outside the state to Meghalaya's tourist spots. ){kind=link}