Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has levelled serious allegations against the Goa government, claiming that young Goans were duped under the pretext of obtaining taxi and rent-a-car permits. Speaking in the Assembly, Sardesai alleged that a government-appointed agency collected crores of rupees from unsuspecting locals through its agents.
According to the MLA, after a sudden ban was imposed on the rent-a-car business, those who had paid the agents were denied refunds and told that their money had been forwarded to the Personal Assistant (PA) of a minister. Sardesai called it a betrayal of Goan youth, many of whom invested their savings with hopes of self-employment.
Responding to the allegations, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant clarified that the rent-a-car business is currently banned. He urged anyone who had paid money for such permits to come forward and lodge formal complaints, assuring that a detailed investigation will be conducted.
The allegations have sparked political outrage and raised concerns over transparency and accountability in the issuance of permits for tourism-related businesses in the state.