Team Goemkarponn
MAPUSA:
In the once-thriving mining hub of Corjuem, Goa, where operations have been stalled for over a decade, truck drivers find themselves caught in a vortex of financial distress.
The prolonged shutdown, coupled with hefty green taxes and fines, has pushed these drivers to the edge. With no income and mounting penalties, they have turned to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for a waiver on these charges.
Truck owners in Corjuem are now faced with an additional hurdle: obtaining mandatory fitness certificates for vehicles over 15 years old from the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Failure to do so incurs a daily fine of ₹50, further straining their dwindling resources. Without a steady income, these drivers argue that it is unjust to expect them to pay such penalties.
“For years, we’ve been assured that mining will resume, but we’ve seen no concrete action,” a representative for the truckers lamented adding “Meanwhile, we’re left without jobs yet expected to foot these heavy fines and taxes. How can we afford this when we have no source of income?” The community is urging the government to either waive these fines or offer financial aid until mining operations resume.
Despite repeated government assurances about reviving mining, stakeholders remain sceptical, pressing for clear timelines and concrete measures to ensure their survival. As the situation hangs in the balance, it remains to be seen how the state government will respond to their plea.
