Issuing taxi permits kept in abeyance
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Sept 22: Taxi permits in Shillong is for the time being kept in abeyance for better regulation, deputy chief minister-in-charge Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar informed the Assembly today.
In reply to a query raised by VPP North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum, Dhar also informed that the reason that the unused STPS buses are lying on the godown at various places in Shillong is that vehicles are no longer fit for use.
Whether the government will adopt a policy in order to restrict any tourist taxi from outside the state to enter Shillong city to avoid traffic congestion, the minister however said no restriction will be adopted since tourist permits can ply all over India. Moreover, Shillong is a transit route to other states.
Tourist taxis cannot be restricted under Para 4 of the Terms and Conditions of All India Tourist Vehicle Permit, he added.
AIM against gambling in melas
The Awakening Indian Movement (AIM) has sought the intervention of the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district to ensure a blanket ban on gambling at melas being organized by different agencies.
Speaking to media persons, chairman of AIM Bansharai Marbaniang said that many people from other part of the country come to Meghalaya to host various kinds of melas, however these melas have games that encourage gambling with money which is detrimental and have a negative impact on the welfare of the people.
Marbaniang alleged that melas throughout the country are being held in order to provide entertainment to all citizens where they can experience happiness especially for children, students, and youth but at present melas in Meghalaya are being held with gambling which have detrimental and a negative impact on the welfare of the people.
“During our visit to the mela held at the Parking Lot outside Polo Ground in Shillong, the mela hosted various gambling activities with money and young people and students in uniform participated in various gambling games” said Marbaniang.
Marbaniang said that AIM is not against organizing melas in the state, however it stands against the act of gambling that is being held at the venues hence the AIM sought the intervention into this matter.