PERNEM: With the government delaying in notifying a taxi stand at the Manohar International Airport (MIA), Taxi Associations from Pernem Taluka have threatened to go on indefinite strike from April 19.
From last four months, the members of various taxi associations, mainly the youth from Pernem Taluka, are fighting a silent battle to have a taxi stand at the MIA.
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Frustrated over the delay in notifying the taxi stand, the associations have threatened to go on indefinite strike if the State government fails to notify the same within next eight days.
The Association members pointed that all this while they have been waiting for the government to act.
“It is shameful that even after having such a mega project in our taluka, Pernem people didn’t get their own taxi stand. We are left with no other option than coming on the road. We are giving eight days to the state government and if it fails to fulfill our demand, then on April 19, we will come on the streets and agitate,” a taxi owner said.
“It’s been so many months since the airport has been operational, but we are still fighting for our rights. The state government is least bothered about the local youths, who are trying to be self employed under the taxi business. It is only interested in things that will benefit them and not the affected people,” another taximan said.
“It’s unfortunate that the government has failed to provide a legal taxi counter and stand at this international airport. It is condemnable to see the taxis illegally operating at the airport and looting the travellers. We have submitted a letter to Assistant Transport Officer Pernem and Pernem Police informing about the planned sit-in along with the reason,” All Goa Private Bus Owners Association General Secretary Sudip Tamhankar said.
