Team Herald
PERNEM: Pernem truck owners kept their 150 vehicles off-the-road for the second consecutive day on Thursday demanding that the government pay the market rate for overall transportation for the State projects.
Deputy Chief Minister Manohar and Pernem MLA (Babu) Ajgaonkar met the protesting members of the Pernem Truck Owners’ Association who continued with their protest at Satarda-Naibagh Junction. They further threatened to continue their protest by keeping their trucks off-the-road till their demands are met.
Police personnel were deployed at the site.
“I already held a meeting with the transporters and the truck owners during which this issue was discussed. During the meeting, the transport contractors refused to hike the rate and said if the local truck owners are not ready to provide service then there are vehicles from other talukas and neighbouring States that can provide transport service. I am with the truck owners but I cannot pressurise anyone to change their decision”, Deputy Chief Minister and Pernem MLA Manohar Ajgaonkar said.
“Vehicles from Maharashtra are given market rate but locals are deprived. We are only asking for market rate and nothing extra. We want justice”, said Association president Milind Shetye.
It may be recalled that Pernem Truck Owners’ Association kept their 150 vehicles off road on Wednesday demanding that the government pay the market rate for overall transportation for the State projects.
