PERNEM
Taxi operators agitating for a counter at the Manohar International Airport at Mopa since May 1 on Tuesday postponed their protest for two weeks, after Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho assured that the blue taxi stand issue would be resolved within two weeks.
Briefing reporters in Pernem about the developments on Tuesday, Together for Mopa Airport Taxi Association leader Bhaskar Narulkar said the matter was discussed at a joint meeting with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Godinho, local MLA Pravin Arlekar and a delegation of taxi operators.
“It was decided after this joint discussion that the blue taxi stand issue would be issued within 15 days. In view of this assurance, the taxi operators who have been protesting since May 1 have decided to postpone their agitation for two weeks,” said Narulkar.
“If the blue taxi stand is not made available within 15 days, the protest would restart,” he warned.
Narulkar told reporters that they have put forth some conditions in their memorandum.
“Those farmers who have lost their land for the Mopa airport, and who have taxis, should be given priority while allotting the taxi stand. Second, all 1,342 applications submitted by taxi operators to the transport department should be issued permits.”
“Also, concession should be given in the deposit amount fixed for the allotment of taxi counter at the Mopa Airport. The minister told us that most of these demands would be considered,” said Narulkar.
Rejecting allegations by the Pernem BJP Block that a proposal by the taxi operators had led to the delay in allotment of a taxi counter at the Manohar International Airport, Narulkar said: “Their claim is not based on any truth. We submitted our proposal and later went on a protest. That is why most of our demands have been agreed upon,” said Narulkaar.
Speaking to media persons in Panaji, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said the blue taxi counter would be set up exclusively for the taxi operators from Pernem.
He said the department had been awaiting permission from GMR to set up the counter and that the same has been issued last week.
“Now we have to amend the Motor Vehicle Act to bring in blue cabs,” said Godinho.
