the goan I network
MAPUSA
The North Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association (NGTTOA) on Sunday has decided to write to the government to withdraw within seven days the app-based GoaMiles taxis service in Goa.
The NGTTOA has also decided to hold a peaceful agitation in front of the Paryavatan Bhavan, Panaji on July 11 and 12 if the government fails to listen to their appeal.
“We have decided to make a representation to the chief minister requesting the government to first withdraw the app-based GoaMiles taxi service by July 9. We will also gather in large numbers in front of the Paryavatan Bhavan, Panaji on July 11 and 12 for a peaceful protest if the government fails to hear us,” said Vassudev Arlekar, NGTTOA President.
“Depending on the government’s response we will decide on our future course of action,” he added.
More than 300 representatives of tourist taxi/yellow black taxi, rickshaw/motorcycle pilot and bus owners that had assembled at the Zampleshwar Temple Hall, in Calangute, condemned the highhanded attitude of the government to start the app-based taxi service in the State without taking the local stakeholders into confidence.
Firing the first salvo, former NGTTOA spokesman, Laxman Korgaonkar alias Bappa said taxi owners will step up the tempo until the GoaMiles service was scrapped from the State.
“The chief minister had asked us for time to study the GoaMiles issue before the elections. Now, elections are over but the CM is yet to take a call in the matter,” Korgaonkar said.
Agitated taxi owners stressed that they will not settle for anything less than withdrawal of GoaMiles service.
The yellow and black (airport) association representative, Andrew stressed that the main issue was to oppose GoaMiles.
“This government has brought GoaMiles through the back door without taking the local stakeholders into confidence. Taxi operation is the only business which is controlled by Goans and we should not allow it to slip out of hands,” he said.
The former chief of All Goa Bus Owners Association, Sudhesh Kalangutkar called for unity amongst all taxi owners.
“This business of operating taxis, motorcycle pilots, rickshaws belong to poor people. This business is of niz Goenkar. If need be we all have to descend on the road,” he said drawing a loud applause.
“If our leaders are put up behind bars we all have to be
