Herald: What did the 9,000-odd tourist taxi operators gain from the strike as it put several commuters through hardship?
Vinayak Nanoskar: We understand the problem commuters and the tourists faced but we were left with no option. Our demands were pending with the government for the last four years. Our strike was non-violent except on the second day when Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar instigated us by caring-a-damn about our requirements and tying up with Kadamba Transport. The government has a habit of not bothering till one comes on to the streets. Until then, demands remain unfulfilled.
Herald: But the association besides North and South Goa Tourist Taxi Associations had a long list of demands like stopping the shuttle service from Dabolim airport, withdrawing the 2014 taxi stir, etc which were not met.
Nanoskar: Yes! Our demands are partially met but cracking down on illegal rent-a-cars and bikes, was also a priority. The Government must think! There have been numerous promises/assurances, barely any of which are met. All this is only when people like us come on the streets. For the rest of the demands, we are relying on the 11-member committee set up by the Chief Minister (Laxmikant Parsekar). It has a four week deadline to listen to our demands/grievances and resolve them. If nothing works out, we will once again resort to a strike. This time it will be an indefinite one.
Herald: The tourist taxi operators have lost business as claimed by the tourist stakeholders. What is the loss estimated in the one and a half day of the strike?
Nanoskar: Where is the loss when we otherwise have no business? The illegal rent-a-car and rent-a-bike operators have taken away our business. The Government should not take us for granted because we are also important stakeholders in the tourism industry. It was the government that called us for a talk because the hotel bookings were being cancelled owing to our strike.
Herald: After you, now the rent-a-car operators have threatened to strike. What is your take on this?
Nanoskar: They are anyway illegally operating in the State. How can they say they are going on strike?
