: When Joda Truck Owners Association (JTOA) was formed in 1997- 98, it was hoped that the association would work for the interest of truck owners by ensuring judicious distribution of loads and fair tariffs for transporting iron ores.
But it is alleged by the members that instead of increasing the transportation cost to offset the price rise of ancillary items of transport business, the cost is getting reduced day by day over the last three years. Consequently, the entire transportation sector is facing a crisis and thousands of truck owners / operators and their family members and others dependents are in jeopardy.
Sailendra Jora, Maya Patra and other truck owners revealed that previous tariff rates 3 years ago have been reduced for transportation of iron ore to destinations like Raipur, Dhamra, Paradip and Gopalpur. The members alleged that previously there was a committee of 15 members to decide the tariff and other related issues but the practice has been discontinued since March 14, 2020 when the present body of office bearers was elected in the association. All the decisions are now being taken by the president and secretary of the association keeping the entire members in the dark.
Sources further revealed that during the time of Rabi Das, former general secretary of the association, a decision was taken that no office bearers will not involve himself / herself or any anybody of his/ her relatives in any transporting business for the purpose of avoiding any conflict of interest but in blatant violation of the decision, the incumbent president and secretary are engaging their own transporting agencies ( Samalei and Aditya transporting ) in different mines which is said to be the main cause of reduced tariff in the Joda mining sector triggering discontent among truck owners.
Earlier, the association was guided by former Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud. Whenever any problem occurred, Sanatan used to intervene and sort it out. But now, the association is under the control of Champua MLA Meenakshi Mahanta and her transporter husband Bhakta Bandhu Mahanta, who are alleged to be in nexus with the mine owners.
Being frustrated over the present chaotic situation, the members have decided to call for a general body meeting very soon to chalk out their future course of action and if required, they may demand for election of new office bearers.