President’s clarion call for unity
Road transport operators in the country, particularly lorry owners, are facing several challenges. Though it is a major contributor to the country’s GDP as well as to employment generation, the road transport industry is indeed confronted with major problems like the mounting cost of fuel, undue toll collection, harassment at toll gates, etc. It is with a view to finding a permanent solution to the problems that Mr. Sella Rajamani, the newly-elected President of the Tamilnadu Sand Lorry Owners Federation, has given a clarion call for unity among its members.
Addressing the Federation’s annual meet in Namakkal on October 28, Mr. Rajamani sought immediate implementation of the proposed nine-point agenda of the Government, including the setting up of a separate welfare board for protecting the rights of the Federation members. He also demanded relaxation of the minimum norm of Class 8 for drivers to get licence as well as removal of the 373 toll plazas across the country. Unless there is immediate Government intervention, the survival of lorry owners would be at stake.
He also urged the Tamil Nadu Government to allow only registered lorry owners to acquire sand. To avoid shortage of bus drivers as well as to improve lorry transport in the State, the Government should give licence for all trained drivers.
The State Government should also offer a uniform rate for sand to lorry owners, besides ensuring full security for all lorry owners undertaking sand transport of other States.
Mr. Rajamani’s plea for safeguarding the interests of 75,000 sand lorry owners received all-round appreciation from the members. He is very popular among Tamil Nadu transport industry circles for his disciplined and transparent approach. Under his dynamic leadership, the Federation has been able to unite as many as 23 districts of sand lorry owners into an integrated entity.
Mr. K.R. Rangarajan, President, KRT Group of Tiruchy, inaugurated the annual meet by lighting the traditional lamp.
Several distinguished speakers from the road transport sector, vehicle, tyre and lubricant industries, as well as finance & insurance companies assured their full support to the Federation.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. R. Panneerselvam, General Secretary of the Federation, thanked all the members for their large presence at the annual meet and for their full support and guidance.
Mr. R. Ravikumar, the newly-elected Treasurer of the Federation, thanked every one present for making the annual meet a grand success.
