Porvorim witnessed a large gathering of taxi operators outside the Assembly complex on Wednesday as uncertainty continued over the gov ernment’s proposed State Taxi Policy. The operators, who had earlier been assured by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that the policy would be finalised by September 10, demanded a written assurance and a di rect meeting with him. Speaking to reporters, North and South Goa Taxi Union President Sunil Naik said, "We have come to the Assembly on the basis of the government’s own commitment. We are not interested in staging a pro test but are seeking clarity from the Chief Minister." Several operators voiced frustration over what they described as repeated delays.
"The Chief Minister had asked us to have faith, but how can we? It was said that the policy will be formulated by calling us, but we have not been called. As we were not called, we tried to contact whoever we could, but we did not receive any response. Sitting in air-conditioned rooms, they make statements that we should have faith, but how can we have faith when the government fails to keep com mitments?" questioned taxi operator Chetan Kamat. “Goans, who make negative statements against us, need to think who the fraud is. We remained silent so far as we were under the impression that some good results would come. But it has been eight years and nothing has come out. We have been cheated," added Kamat. In response, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant urged the operators not to waste time rallying outside the Assembly, reiterating that the government would not finalise the taxi policy without taking them into confidence.
He clarified that the September 10 timeline was indicative and could shift by a few days, as the draft policy was still being pre pared. Sawant assured that representatives of about 20–21 taxi associations would be shown the draft in detail before its release, and their concerns would be addressed.
At a meet ing held on August 22, the government had conveyed that the fresh policy would replace the Goa Transport Aggrega tor Guidelines, 2025, with a focus on rationalising fares, en suring transparency, and strengthening tourist safety.