l Pick-up drivers want their interest protected before shifting to new location l Want government to notify the new location as a pick- up stand before shifting l Demand financial package
The avowed objective behind earmarking the acquired land in the SGPDA retail market complex was to shift Margao’s Pick-up stand from the heart of the town and help reduce the acute congestion. Though the issue of pick-up stand shifting was pushed to the background all these years, Goa State Urban Development Development’s Agency’s move to utilise the existing pick-up stand space for a multi-storey parking lot may bring the issue to the forefront once again.
While the unutilised land came as a revenue generator for the cash-starved SGPDA, by leasing the ground for exhibitions, the 80-odd beleaguered pick-up drivers under the banner of All Goa Pick-Up Drivers Association, are keeping their fingers crossed over their shifting, hoping that the authorities will protect their interests before they are shifted to the new location. Says Association President Rama Naik: “We have been operating from the existing pick-up stand at the new market since the 70’s. We have never said no to the shifting, but we want the authorities to protect our interests.” Rama said the government should first notify the new location as a pick- up stand and should provide power, water and telephone connection to the new stand. Besides, the government should consider our request for a financial package to offset any loss arising out of shifting, he said.
Former BJP MLA Damu Naik, who is associated with the Association, has sympathised with the cause of the pick-up drivers. “They have a point in asking a package since they are proposed to be relocated to a place away from the bustling market. I have taken up their cause with the Urban Development Minister Francis D’Souza during my stint as GSUDA Vice-Chairman. I am confident the government would do justice for the pick up drivers,” he said.
Former Chief Minister and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat said that land at the PDA market has been earmarked for the pick-up stand to rehabilitate the pick-up drivers. “An office room and a toilet block have been constructed at the new location. I feel the MMC authorities should enter into a dialogue with the pick-up drivers since the government plans to utilise the pick-up stand land for multi-storey parking,” Kamat said.
