Toll turmoil: Ministers likely to meet Prithviraj Chavan today

October 24, 2013

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KOLHAPUR: Home minister R R Patil, along with two of his cabinet colleagues from Kolhapur, is likely to meet chief minister Prithviraj Chavan on Wednesday and discuss with him the controversy and people’s unrest related to the collection of toll from vehicles on inter-city roads.The meeting in all likelihood is possible to be held before the scheduled meeting ofthe cabinet.”We were planning to meet the chief minister today (Tuesday) after his meeting with Youth Congress workers. However, due to his busy schedule, he could not give us time. Now, we are planning to meet him tomorrow (Wednesday) before the cabinet ministers’ meeting. We will also meet deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. We will discuss with them the situation in Kolhapur and would urge the chief minister to conduct a meeting with those opposing the toll,” labour minister Hasan Mushrif said.

Patil, Mushrif and minister of home Satej Patilhad earlier said they would talk to the chief minister and try to resolve the row, The Kolhapur Anti-Toll Committee (KATC) has been opposing the government’s decision to collect toll on the inter-city roads.

“It’s inconsequential whether the meeting with the CM is held or not. We will continue opposing collection of toll in the city. Our activists have been appealing to the commuters not to pay toll at Shiroli, Puikhadi and Phulewadi toll plazas. People from Kolhapur, having vehicles with MH 09 numbers, are refusing to pay the toll and responding to our call,” said Niwas Salokhe, the convener of KATC.

In the meantime, Karvir Kamgar Sangh, a workers’ union affiliated to the All India Trade Union Congress, presented a memorandum to assistant labor commissioner office, demanding an inquiry into the IRB Company’s registration or licence under Bombay Shops and Establishment acts. Besides, the union asked the office to investigate if the company was following the set of 11 laws for the workers. “The memorandum was submitted to Suhas Kadam, the assistant labour commissioner. Our office has assured an inquiry,” said Mangesh Sawant, a senior labour department officer.

IRB Company started collecting toll from October 17 after the high court directed the state government and district police administration to provide protection to the toll plazas in the city.

Source-http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com