They also said the existing contract system which was exploiting them, had to be scrapped immediately. They said in case the truckers were forced to transport the ore at the old rates by the government and mining companies, they would block the roads.
The truck owners also said a delegation would soon meet the government and discuss the rate issue. Some truck owners are still reeling under loans and have pleaded with the government to look into their woes.
To add to their trouble, the insurance rates were also going up annually, they said. Even if their vehicles stood idle, they bled as they had to bear with the insurance, loan, maintenance, salaries of driver/helper etc, they added. Their daily expenditure was around Rs 2,350 on these counts, they reported and required an assurance of getting at least Rs 85,000 per month from ore transportation to break even.
