PONDA
Accusing the State BJP government of dividing the truckers, the All Goa Truck Owners Association (AGTOA) has alleged that some BJP supporters have started plying their trucks to transport ore.
The AGTOA has convened a meeting in Usgao on Sunday to take a decision on Vedanta’s offer.
Vedanta Company had offered them ` 10.50 up to a 10-km trip, `10 for a distance of 20 kms and `9.50 for above 20 kms. The AGTOA, however, rejected the offer and has stuck to a uniform rate of ` 11.27 for per tonne per km.
Addressing a news conference in the city on Thursday, AGTOA President Nilkanth Gawas said BJP had managed to divide them.
“We will put forth the issue of rate with our members and we will later decide whether to accept Vedanta’s offer. The BJP through its supporters started ore transportation. This government had earlier stopped mining and now when it is starting it, they are doing injustice to the truckers. Everyone should take note of this betrayal by the government,” Gawas alleged.
AGTOA members have now appealed to the MLAs from the mining belt to intervene in the matter and to give justice.
Justifying his demand of `11.27, Gawas said as per the revised ore rate in international market, mine companies are getting ` 3,977 for each tonne and hence their demand can be easily fulfilled.
Asked if they would transport ore at the rate offered by Vedanta company, Gawas replied: “We will discuss the issue with our members, before taking a decision in the matter.”
