Demanding action regarding the plight of the quarry workers, the All Kerala Licensed Quarry Owners’ Association held a fast before the Chief Minister’s residence the other day.
They said that though the government’s attitude was favourable towards beedi workers,it is lethargic towards the predicament of quarry workers.
Many quarries were shut down citing environmental issues.
“Therefore, river sand, which costs `650 per load has shot to `25,000.
As a result, the common man cannot access river sand at a reasonable price,” they said.
According to the Panchayati Raj Act, quarries do not need licenses.
“On t h e contrary , panchayats were appointed as the nodal agency.
Because of this, the panchayats became a platform to settle personal scores,” they complained.
They also pointed out that, there are many quarries which maintained a good track record, but were closed down as their licenses were not renewed.
Keeping all this in view, they reiterated their demand for a judicial commission to conduct a detailed study on the issues faced by this particular sector.
All Kerala Licensed Quarry Owners’ Association state president Baby Kuriakose and vice-president Manil Thrombayil spoke