QUEPEM: Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho’s statement regarding implementation of scrapping of 15-year-old vehicles in the State has upset the Sanvordem Truck Owners Association, who not only scoffed at the minister for his insensitive statement but also stated that they would stand their ground and oppose him on the issue.
The truckers said that the minister’s declarations were in bad taste and charged that it was wrong on the part of the Godinho to make such statements before having a reality check of the issue.
“We will oppose this move tooth and nail,” said the truckers and flayed the Transport Minister adding that before the implementation of Central government policies here, the State government should now focus on the current situation in Goa especially that of mining dependent people.
At a largely attended press conference to oppose the new law, the truck drivers lashed out at the government for being insensitive to their pain and stated that ever since mining activity has come to a halt, they were under tremendous stress and draconian laws like these will unnecessarily burden them.
Vallabh Dalvi, president of the Association, said that Goa was not a metropolitan city for the minister to state that 15-year-old vehicles will be scrapped and they would in no way allow this to happen.
“Mining has already been closed down for the last 12 years and we are going through harrowing times. If 15-year-old vehicles are scrapped citing pollution as a reason then the minister should know that we are without business for over a decade and have not even cleared our bank loans as we are penniless,” said Dalvi and added that this move of the government was suicidal in nature.
