South Goa truck owners reject new transportation rate

Panaji: Talks between the government, mining companies and truck owners, to finalize ore transportation rate, ended on an inconclusive note with the South Goa Progressive Truck Owners Association on Friday refusing to agree to the rate proposed by the government. The North Goa Truck Owners Association, however, agreed to the increased rate of Rs 2 per tonne per km.

Chief minister Manohar Parrikar had assured truck owners of reviewing the umbrella scheme for them.

As per the scheme, truck owners whose truck are inactive will be paid Rs 8,000 per month per truck with a maximum cap of two trucks. Companies will now have to compulsorily hire 80% of their truck requirements from among those operating on the route. They are free to hire the remaining 20% from anywhere.

Mining companies pay Rs 10.50 per tonne per km for the first 10km, Rs 10 for 10-20 km and Rs 9.5 for above 20 km. Savordem MLA Deepak Pawaskar, who is mediating for the government, said the rate will be reviewed in March. He said the government has decided to charge Rs 550 per month instead of Rs 8,000 per year as fees for installing GPS.

Treasurer, South Goa Progressive Truck Owners Association, Cajetan Fernandes, said the association wants Rs 14 per tonne per km for the first 10 km, Rs 13.5 for 10-20 km and Rs 13 for above 20 km.