TDC to file PIL to seek justice
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 18 2019: The Transport and Drivers' Council (TDC) has announced that it will file a PIL before the Court concerned to bring justice concerning the alleged unethical practices in the tender process for LPG bullet tanker trucks conducted by IOCL to bring LPG from outside the State.

Speaking to media persons, TDC president H Ranjit said that the tender document contains information that 230 numbers of 7 MT bullet tankers will be selected from Manipur.

But following the tender, only 12 MT bullet tanker trucks were selected and contrary to the notice, only 170 trucks were selected as well, he alleged, adding that the number of selected trucks was also less by around 50 numbers.

Ranjit explained that priority should be given to the 7 MT trucks and the 12 MT trucks are to be used as back up or as per the need.

If the need arises, all the vehicles should be utilised as well, he said, adding that failure to do so will result in scarcity of LPG and other petroleum products in the future.

Ranjit then informed that the no steering protest launched by All Manipur Bulk LPG Transporters Association has completed 12 days today and added that this will also become another factor in scarcity of LPG and petroleum products in Manipur.

He alleged that despite three letters from the Chief Minister and two letters from the CAF and PD Minister to increase the number of vehicles, IOCL has been staying stubborn till date.

Despite claiming that it had around 480 trucks, IOCL utilised only around 200 trucks during the bandhs, blockades and strikes during 2001, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2016 thus creating great inconveniences and suffering to the people, he claimed.

Asking what IOCL stands to lose in increasing the number of trucks, Ranjit alleged that comparing the tender notice and the resulting development after the actual tender, doubts regarding unethical practices are ringing loud.

TDC will file a PIL to the Court concerned regarding this issue.

The Government should also try to bring an amicable solution with the agitating transport association in this regard, Ranjit said, while appealing to the agitating association to adopt the legal route so as to not cause suffering to the common people in their protest.

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