Sand transporters need aid, not mining truck drivers – UGDP

MARGAO: United Goans Democratic Party (UGDP) vice-president Radharao Gracias criticized the move by the chief minister ManoharParrikar to give a financial package to mining truck drivers, who he said did not deserve the same for their part in illegal mining. He also said that instead, a financial package should be given to the truck owners who would transport sand.
Gracias, while pointing out that only in Goa do you find the rate of sand to be higher than that of cement, demanded that the government bring sand prices to a reasonable level. He pointed out that given the fact that sand mining had been banned in the state, and Karnataka government not permitting transport of sand, the truck drivers who were usually involved in transporting sand from Pernem to other places in Goa and Karwar and other areas were left unemployed.
He further ridiculed Parrikar’s decision to give out financial packages to mining truck owners and said that not only were they part of the illegal mining, but that they were involved in ‘big businesses’ which saw them earn more than enough income and thus they could not be in dire need of the financial package.
He said that the sand mining truck owners who lived in various villages in Goa have been rendered jobless and the government should address their genuine grievances.