New sand policy opposed

'Mines and Geology dept officials harass lorry drives'

Kodagu district Lorry Owners and Drivers Association members have opposed the sand policy of the State government. 

In a petition submitted to the DC, association president Padmanabha Ashok said, tenders had not been invited for mining sand for the last one year. Owing to shortage of sand, construction works had come to a stand still. The labourers were jobless. Tenders should be invited at the earliest. 

Motor Vehicle Drivers and Owners Association President said that the union was demanding withdrawal of a minimum qualification of eighth pass for issue of licence. However, the government had made eighth standard mandatory for the drivers. There are several drivers who do not possess the qualification in the district. 

The officials from Mines and Geology department have been harassing the lorry drivers and a reasonable entry tax should be levied for vehicles entering the State. “The entry fees is very high at present,” he said.