PONDA: Listing out their three demands, the North and South Goa truck owners on Thursday called upon the Mines Department for a discussion to fulfil the same, failing which they have threatened to boycott ore transportation.
Addressing a joint press conference, the truck owners in their first demand stated that they are opposed to all 10 conditions mentioned in the Mines Department’s notification, which was published on August 31 for all the stakeholders in mining, including the truck owners for the new season.
Secondly, the truck owners demanded that rates be finalised by the government committee, which was formed last year to discuss the new rates for transportation before the commencement of new season.
The truck owners said they are ready for ore transportation but the discussion on the rates should be held first only then the rates should be finalised, which will be applicable with effect from the date of ore transportation for the new season.
Thirdly, the truckers demanded that they be excluded from “speed governance” as they accepted the Mines Department’s order last year to maintain a speed of 40 kmph for transporting ore.
North Goa Tipper Truck Owners’ Association president Suresh Naik, South Goa Truck Owners’ Association secretary Satyawan Gaonkar and Sandeep Parab said, “Before commencement of the new mining season, the government committee, which was formed in 2015, should discuss with the association the issue pertaining to fixing of rates for ore transportation per tonne, per kilometre.
