PANJIM: Truck drivers in Goa joined the counterparts across the country in protesting against the newly enforced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), citing concerns over heightened penalties for hit-and-run cases. Truck drivers gathered at the parking lot near Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Bambolim on Wednesday, and voiced their grievances to the government.
Their demands included a compensation of Rs 50,000, the installation of cameras in all vehicles, and a plea for protection from physical assault in case of accidents, advocating legal action against those responsible for any violence.
A driver told media, “Our plea is to install camera in the driver’s cabin, also on either sides of the vehicle and one on the rear. Make the 10 years jail sentence be only for drunk drivers. The driver should take the injured to the hospital and his term should be reduced. Drivers cannot afford to pay such hefty fines, as per the salaries they get. Secondly, speed limit boards should be visible. Cameras should be put at critical junctions so drivers can receive online challans for violations.”
Another driver said, “We cannot pay the fines, if it’s not our fault. We appeal the CM Pramod Sawant to see who is at fault and only then a decision should be taken. We cannot fault the drivers of the big vehicles. All sorts of allegations are put against drivers. Drivers should not be beaten up by people.”
