While the race of chasing government jobs keeps getting intense, it’s a relieving fact that more than a thousand youths are interested in self-employment. The granting of permits for taxi transport at the airport is still pending; thanks to the confusion at government level.
There are three types of taxi services available at the airport and it is still not clear which one would be expanded. This is a great example of how the work is carried out at the government level.
Although due to the Prime Minister’s availability the date of the airport’s inauguration was changed, however, the government knew for certain when the airport would be made operational.
Even though the airport is built under the Build Operate Transfer (BOT) model, it is still a joint project and one cannot forget that the Goa Government has its share of partnership. In fact, mega projects are considered as a medium of generating employment and, hence, it was expected Mopa airport would provide jobs.
The chaos surrounding the taxi services at the airport is the result of the government’s habit of procrastinating crucial decisions. Given the reach and expanse of the airport, around a thousand taxis per hour would be required and the government should have known better.
Under the Mukhyamantri Swarojgar Yojana (MSY) scheme run by Economic Corporation Development of Goa, many people not only became self-employed but also helped others by employing them. It is easily possible for the government to implement a similar scheme for the ones who are interested in providing taxi services at the airport.
The competition in the transportation sector is cut-throat, to an extent that a mere inquiry regarding a vehicle in the showroom would be responded with a barrage of emails and phone calls. Multiple finance options are provided and so, implementing a similar scheme is an easy possibility. In fact, why not own more than just one taxi? This is a great opportunity to push entrepreneurship in Pernem up a notch. If a taxi service providing companies can conduct business, why should Pernem locals not dream about establishing some? If out of 1,000 applicants at least 10 dream big, then the government should help to make those dreams come true.
Every airport requires multiple services, including airline companies who require staff to carry out their operations from the airport. Institutions which provide training for such staff needs to be built in the region. There are limitations on the direct employment from the company running the airport, but a large number of jobs could be provided by service providing companies. The stress should be on creating skilled manpower for such jobs.
There is a proposal for a logistic hub at the airport, which means there will be godowns, cold rooms and transportation at large. The information regarding the same should be immediately given to the locals, which would eliminate the situation that occurred with taxi services. More importantly, no one will be able to take away the rightful opportunities of the locals. For that, the government needs to communicate with the locals regarding the opportunities available at the airport and also the opportunities that would come with the eventual expansion of the airport.
The awareness regarding the opportunities in investment and businesses surrounding the airport premises need to be brought to the people’s notice. If the Pednekars are not part of the Pernem’s development, then what’s the use of the so-called development? The government’s confused approach will lead the taluka nowhere.
Out of all the applicants, only 170 persons own taxis, but at the same time, what needs to be highlighted is that a thousand more are interested in getting into the business despite not owning vehicles.
The locals’ emotions were involved while giving away their lands for the airport and that shall never be forgotten. Those who run the government need to stand behind the Pernem locals firmly if they wish to return the favour. Instead of creating confusion by citing technical issues, a humanitarian approach that would uplift everyone is the need of the hour.
