Activists rally behind taxi operators in protest against aggregator guidelines

Activists have lent their support to local taxi drivers opposing the government's Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025.

Photo Credits: Santosh Mirajkar

MARGAO
The agitation by Goan tourist taxi operators against the government’s notification on the Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines 2025 gained momentum on Monday, with social activists extending their full support and warning the State authorities of continued resistance until the demands of the operators are met.

Addressing a gathering of taxi operators in Colva, activists including Shankar Polge, Rama Kankonkar, and Fidol Pereira condemned the policy, alleging it favours migrant interests over those of native Goans. The activists questioned the government’s expectations, asking whether local drivers are now required to invest in high-end vehicles worth Rs 15 lakh or more to earn a mere Rs 500 a day.

Rama said all the social activists will rally behind the Goan tourist taxi operators until their demands are met. “We will not keep quiet as we are convinced that the government is working against the interests of the Goan operators. Already, Goan taxi operators have gone abroad for want of government support. Does the government want the local youth to sell their vehicles to go abroad?” he questioned.

He added: “The tourism taxi operators number around 25,000 across the State. Along with their families, they have the capacity to teach the government a lesson in the coming election.”

In his address, Shankar Polge said that the government is working in every field to give entry to migrants in different sectors. “Today, migrants have made inroads in fishing, farming, mining, etc. This is happening because the government is not protecting the interests of locals. Our situation is getting worse by the day. Niz Goemkars are hitting the streets almost every day to highlight their plight,” he said.

Activist Fidol Pereira criticised certain ministers for labelling local taxi operators as “goondas”, noting that authorities have turned a blind eye to migrant drivers operating aggregator vehicles. She said the tourist taxi operators are ready to shut their operations if the government is willing to provide them with jobs.