Shillong: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has pledged to resolve a long-standing issue regarding individual permits for bike-taxi operators. Meeting with a delegation from Ride to Serve Shillong on Friday, the minister confirmed that the government intends to authorize individual permits without forcing riders to partner with third-party aggregators.
K Nongkynrih, the convener of the organization, said there is no existing policy preventing the issuance of these permits. He claimed that local District Transport Office officials had been creating unnecessary hurdles by pressuring riders to join ride-hailing platforms. Following internal discussions between the Commissioner and the Assistant Commissioner, the government expects to finalize the process soon. “Within a week, we expect to receive the permit approval. After the meeting between the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner, we should receive the official communication approving the individual permits,” Nongkynrih noted.
The riders have been campaigning for this change since June 2023. Their memorandum to the government argues that direct permits would create a regulated system while supporting local employment. Beyond the permits, the group has requested that the Transport department halt enforcement drives and the seizure of vehicles. They are also seeking a review of the various fines imposed on riders during the lengthy period their requests remained unaddressed.
Once the permit process is officially established, the organization plans to consult with the state government to set formal fare structures and operational rules. This move marks a significant shift for the riders, who have faced uncertainty and administrative pressure for the past three years.
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