Nearly 15,000 taxis stay off road * Tourists have tough time * Kadamba buses pressed into service
PANAJI
Over 15,000 taxi operators in the State defied the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) invoked by the government and went ahead with their strike on Monday listing out several demands including stop on further permits to rent-a-car operators.
The strike call given by two unions -- All Goa Taxi Owners Association and South Goa Tourist Taxi Association -- crippled the tourism operations across Goa, even as the operators decided to carry on the strike on Tuesday.
Tourists in the State faced a tough time on Monday even as Kadamba buses were pressed into service to and from the airport while those at railway stations were left to fend for themselves. The sight outside the airport was busy, with people braving the heat as many arrived hours ahead of their departure.
All across the State, rickshaws proved to be the only saving grace for many, with as many as 15,000 taxis taking part in the strike.
Taxi owners who had initially decided to go on one day strike, have now decided to go on strike on Tuesday too. They said decision on an indefinite strike will be taken if necessary.
Terming their first day off the road as being successful, North Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association general secretary Vinayak Nanoskar announced the decision to extend the strike after hundreds of taxi owners demanded a stop to the rent-a-cab vehicles and the installation of meters in taxis at a meeting at Azad Maidan, Panaji.
“The government has taken us for granted. Today we decided to take a peaceful stand; what will happen tomorrow, we cannot say. There are over 7,000 illegal bikes being rented in Goa which are not being stopped. Because of this we cannot get our daily earnings,” said Nanoskar.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo's -- long time supporter of the tourist taxi associations -- suggestion that the taximen hold a meeting with government officials was met with stiff opposition. Lobo, however, said he would arrange for a meeting with government officials inorder to find a solution to the vexed problem.
Also showing support to the taxi owners were the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), the Shack Owner’s Association, Private Property Shack Owners Association and the All Goa Private Bus Owners Association. Sudip Tamhankar from the bus owners association, expressing support to the cause, however, said they would not take part in the strike, as they stood at the risk of losing their permits in view of ESMA being invoked by the government.
