Goa truckers lost Rs 2.6 cr due to computation error, says NGO

Truckers have lost Rs 2.6 crore on transportation of 15 million tonnes of e-auctioned ore due to a computation error by the state Mines and Geology Department, a Goa-based NGO said today.
"In transporting 15 MT of ore -- which are subject to e-auction -- the truckers collectively stood to lose a staggering Rs 2.6 crore due to a simple computational error by the Mines Department in working out the transportation rate," Goa Foundation's Director Claude Alvares told reporters today.
He said on April 20, 2015, the Mines Department had notified the rate of transportation of e-auctioned ore after representation was made by the truckers association.

Based on the rate of diesel at that time (Rs 52 per litre), which accounted 28 per cent of the total cost of the trip, the Foundation said the rate should be Rs 12.40 per tonne km, whereas the GMD had calculated it at Rs 12.33.
"Though it appears small on the face of it, on the entire 15 MT of e-auctioned ore, the Foundation calculated the truck owners were being underpaid to the extent of Rs 2.6 crore, to the advantage of the leaseholders," Alvares added.
When contacted, Director of Mines and Geology, Prasanna Acharya refused to comment on the issue.