the goan I network
MARGAO
Asserting that the government and the people should not allow any injustice to the Goan taxi operators, former Chief Minister and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat on Wednesday urged the government to discuss all issues with the agitating taxi operators and work out an amicable solution taking into account the interests of the local taxi operators.
While the tourist and black and yellow taxi operators will have their last meeting at Pernem, they would soon have their general body meeting to chalk out the future course of action.
The Margao MLA, who addressed the meeting of the Taxi operators at the Konkan Railway hall, offered his wholehearted support to their cause, saying the taxi business is the only business left with Goans in the tourist state and their interests ought to be protected by the government.
“Goan taxi operators have a good record of reliability since the Portuguese era. They have raised their families by plying their taxis. In a way, they have reduced the government’s burden of providing them employment. The government should appreciated their services since they toil hard and have stood on their own legs,” Kamat said, while addressing the taxi operators.
Saying the government should step in and support and encourage the Goan taxi operators by giving them better amenities, Kamat reminded the government that there are black sheep in every occupation and profession.
“There may be allegations of charging extra money. But, this may be an odd allegation. One thing is clear they are all Goans. The benefits of Tourism should go to the locals and taxi business is a small sector in the tourism industry and there ought not to be any injustice on these small operators,” Kamat said, while urging the government to open a dialogue with the taxi operators and resolve their issues.
While extending his full support to the taxi operators, Kamat said government should support the local taxi operators when doubts are being raised whether this business will remain with the Goans in the future.
Mahila Congress President Pratima Coutinho also extended her full support to the local taxi operators in their ongoing agitation. She reminded the government that tourist taxi business in other parts of the country has earned a bad name for rapes and other anti-social activities, such anti-social activities are unheard in Goa for the simple reason that the taxi business is with the local Goan youth.
Leader of the All Goa taxi operators Chetan Kamat blamed GTDC Managing Director Nikhil Desai for bringing Goa Miles in the state for vested interests and demanded his immediate removal from the GTDC post.
