MARGAO
Tourist taxi operators from North and South Goa have opposed reports that the organisers of India Energy Week at ONGC, Betul, plan to hire taxis from Karnataka and Maharashtra instead of using local vehicles.
The operators have demanded immediate intervention by CMPramod Sawant, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte to protect the interests of Goan taxi drivers. They warned that the government would be responsible for any law and order issues if local operators are denied business for the event.
India Energy Week will be held from January 26 to 31 and is expected to be attended by around 6,000 international delegates. The taxi operators said they have enough vehicles, including high-end cars, to meet the entire requirement.
Taxi unions met at Cavelossim on Wednesday after receiving information that the transport contract has been given to operators from neighbouring states. They said it is unfair to ignore nearly 20,000 Goan tourist taxi operators for such a large event.
Association leader Sunil Naik said the contractor is in the process of hiring about 500 to 600 taxis from Karnataka and Maharashtra. He said local drivers have already suffered losses in December due to the Zilla Parishad polls and the Arpora fire tragedy, and are now being denied work in January as well. He added that Goan taxi operators are ready to offer competitive rates.
Naik also appealed to the Union Petroleum Minister to step in and ensure that local taxis are used. He said the operators are willing to discuss rates with the authorities to avoid any inconvenience to guests.
Taxi union leader Chetan said the government should involve Goan taxi associations whenever large events are organised.
Yogesh Govekar said the government must act if it truly supports local livelihoods under the Goa Swayampurna and Atmanirbhar initiatives. Sylvester Vaz from Majorda questioned why Goan operators are being ignored and urged the government to intervene.
