Truckers ferrying gypsum from Pema Gatshel are calling out for the government’s intervention regarding their transportation charges. The truckers had appealed to their employing agency, the State Mining Corporation Limited or SMCL, to increase the rates following the recent rise in fuel price. But the company recently issued a notice saying they would not be revising the rates, after which the truckers have stopped transporting the minerals.
More than a hundred truck drivers transporting gypsum for the SMCL are waiting for a response from the company. They are hoping the government will intervene and help them out. Until then, they have decided not to ferry the goods.
They said due to the recent increase in fuel price and high cost of goods, the rate which they are getting now is not enough for fuel and maintenance costs and meet their living expenses.
“All of us belong to a humble family. We are doing everything possible to earn a livelihood and support our family. Many bought the trucks through loans. Without the increase in transportation rate, it will be difficult for us to compensate for the loans. We would be very grateful if the relevant agencies or government could look into the matter and help us,” said Leki Dorji, a trucker.
“It’s not only fuel but tires and the things required for tippers have also all increased. So it would be a loss, there is no benefit for us. That’s why all of us have assembled here,” said another trucker, Singye.
“Even after the notification, we continued transporting gypsum. We approached the company. However, they didn’t accept our request and we are told that the rates won’t be changed. So, we gathered here,” said Rinchen Dorji.
The truck drivers said their contract with the SMCL states that the company shall increase the transportation rate with an increase in fuel price and decrease with the decrease in fuel rate.
They said after the recent rise in the cost of fuel in the country, they verbally appealed to one of their managers for the revision of their rates. But a few days later last week, the company sent out a notification saying they will not be making changes to the transportation charges.
The truckers said they have also reached out to the Prime Minister and the government regarding the situation and are hoping they will intervene.
Meanwhile, the SMCL said increasing the transportation rate is not feasible at this time as it would hamper the export of gypsum to other countries at the given market rate. The company also said the transportation rate is higher compared to other private companies in the country.
The truckers usually transport the gypsum from the Khothakpa Gypsum Mine and unload it in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Kelzang Choden
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
