MARGAO, JUNE 4
The Executive meeting of the Federation of Association of Tourist Taxi Owners and Drivers (FATTOD) has strongly objected to the proposed hike in permits fees and the decision not to issue permits for vehicles less than 1000 cc.
A delegation of FATTOD led by President Jorge Fernandes called on Chairman of State Transport Authority Narendra Kumar on June 4 and strongly objected the draconian decision by the STA as the assurance given by the Chief Minister on December 1, 2009 to implement the proposed Operational policy which would benefit the Tourist taxis has not yet seen light of the day.
The delegation pointed out that the tourist taxi operators are suffering till date at the hands of illegal Russian reps and tour operators who are stealing their livelihood. “The Tourist season in Goa is facing a draught because of different issues like drug mafia, increase crime rates and political trauma. Inspite of all these issues the selfish Aam Admi Government is least interested in protecting the livelihood of a common man and more interested in filling up their own pockets at the cost of Aam Admi’s sweat”, Jeorge said.
He said the consequences on Government’s decision to discard vehicles less than 1000 cc will result in more than 500 taxi operators jobless and thereby forcing jobless people to get involved in anti-social and illegal activities in order earn their livelihood. “There are chances for these rejected less than 1000 cc vehicle to be privatized by which the government will not only lose the revenue but also will result in constant fight between private illegal operators and legal taxi operators. Instead of providing employment to the youth, the Aam Admi Government is out to loot the common person in unplanned decisions”, he added.
Saying that any government agency should always consult the respective stakeholders before jumping to conclusions which is merely planned only to fill their own coffers, Jeorge said FATTOD would soon come on the streets to fight for justice if the government fails to address the genuine problems faced by the self employed tourist taxi operators.
