PONDA
On Friday, mining companies and North Goa truck owners had agreed to an increase in transportation rate, at a meeting convened by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, and were willing to start transportation of ore.
The rate fixed per tonne per kilometre was ` 12.5 for below 10 kms, ` 12 for 11-19 kms, ` 11.5 for above 20 kms, besides the current rate of diesel.
However, the AGTOA has taken strong objection to these rates, on grounds that the truckers were not taken into confidence.
Addressing a news conference in the city, AGTOA President Nilkanth Gawas along with other members rejected Parrikar's offer.
"This rate was fixed by consulting those who are not into the transportation business. We reject the offer given by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar as it is not affordable to us," Gawas said.
Serving an ultimatum, Gawas warned that the government would be held responsible if any untoward incidents were to happen if they were to hit the roads.
"We will decide on issuing a deadline to the government after a meeting. We have not decided about the deadline as yet, but we will take a decision," he added.
Incidentally, the Dharbandora Taluka Truck Association has already issued its deadline of October 30 to determine the transportation rates based on its demands. Truck owners reject govt's
revised ore transport rate
"There are many burdens like GPS, speed governor, tax and other things on us. Hence, the rate fixed by the government is not affordable. I request the chief minister to consider the welfare of truckers as well," Gawas said.
According to Gawas, they requested Parrikar's office twice to invite them before finalising rates, but said his office had failed to do so.
Gawas has now asked MLAs in the mining belt to come clear on whether the revised rate (fixed by the chief minister) is affordable.
Responding to the chief minister's assurance of giving truckers ` 8,000 every month for a year to those who did not wish to ply their trucks, Gawas said: "It is better for the government to buy these trucks than to give us a monthly dole. At least with purchased amount, we can look for other business options."
Balaji Gawas, Prashant Nagvenkar, Prakash Gawas, Mangaldas Naik, Pramod Gaad, Ajeet Kurade, Rupesh Parab and Shivdas Madkar were also present during the news conference.
