Sending a clear message to truck owners, Parsekar said, “Mining has just commenced after three-and-half-years, all issues will be resolved but give us some time”. He appealed to mining truck owners to support legal mining. “Please don’t come on the streets. I am very simple, I have been hearing you patiently so far, and if there is a strike then I will be forced to take action,” he said.
The Truck Owners Association, which is linked with ore transportation, had planned a stir over the poor rates fixed by the government and given by the mining companies for ore transportation.
The government had fixed Rs 12.33 per km per tonne, whereas presently they are being paid Rs 7 to 8 per km per tonne. Truck owners are demanding at least Rs 16 per km per tonne.
Parsekar said Goa is the only State among five, which hit due to a sudden closure of mining activity, has taken care of the affected people. He appealed to the truck owners not to stop transportation as 30 to 35 percent of the population depends on mining.
