THE GOAN NETWORK
PERNEM
The Pernem-Bardez Truck Owners Association has demanded that the State government take immediate measures to protect the business of truck operators in Goa.
At a largely attending meeting in Pernem, truck operators claimed they are not getting sufficient business on account of increasing competition by traders from other states.
They have threatened a protest if the government fails to formulate regulations to protect local truck operators and safeguard their business.
Those present at the meeting included Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar, President of Truck Association Milind Shetye, legal advisor of the organisation Adv Vinayak Parab, office bearers Avinash Bhobe, Sairaj Asnodkar, Tushar Teli and others.
Addressing the gathering, speakers claimed that local truck operators are facing stiff competition from truck operators based in Karnataka, Maharashtra and other states.
They demanded that the State government formulates a separate policy and clear regulations to protect the interests of local truckers and local livelihoods.
Speaking on the occasion, Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar assured to stand by the local truck operators and would try and arrange a meeting between a delegation of the association and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to resolve their grievances.
The Association President Milind Shetye claimed the government had not paid serious attention to the grievances and the demands of truck operators.
“However, due to increasing financial difficulties, it is becoming difficult pursue this business and safeguard our livelihoods,” he said.
Stating that the association has maintained a restrained stance so far, Shetye and other speakers warned of an agitation if there is no relief from the government.
The association, which was till now limited to the two talukas of Pernem and Bardez has decided to expand its presence across the State.
Speakers said the objective behind this expansion is to collectively raise the issues of all truck operators in the State, to make concerted efforts to protect the business, and to pursue their demands with the government.
