MARGAO: Curfew imposed now for over a month has left the rickshaw and other rented vehicles tendering almost zero income. The steeping fuel price rise has made it even more difficult for these self-employed Goans to earn their daily bread so they appealed to the government to help them financially or at least roll back the fuel prices.
Speaking to Herald black-white rickshaw owners expressed their anger over rising fuel prices while revealing the hard times they are facing. “Why the government is adding burden on us by increasing fuel prices”, they questioned.
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All Goa Rickshaw Operators Association has also questioned the government that if Delhi and Karnataka government can help the rickshaw owners financially, why can’t Goa?
The business of rented rickshaw (black and white) operators is badly hit as they were totally dependent on the domestic tourist travelling to Goa by railways and other means of transports. Motorcycle pilots too facing similar hardships due to the COVID pandemic.
Speaking to Herald Abdul Salaskar, President of All Goa Rickshaw Operators Association said that they can’t understand the logic behind the rise in fuel prices, as the rate of the fuel at the international market, is low than before.
“These political leaders when in opposition were involved in agitating against the rise in fuel prices. Now, they are in the government but silent. In 2013, the government has fixed the rate of rent to Rs. 21 per kilometer. At that point of time the rate of petrol was Rs 53. Now, the rate has been increased nearly two times Rs 94 per litre. However, we are charging the passengers according to the rate fixed in 2013”, he stated.
Abdul said that if the government doesn’t help, it will be difficult to survive for 2500 rickshaw operating in Goa under the banner of All Goa Rickshaw Operators Association. “Now the government is imposing digital meters on us, but not interested in resolving our issues including rising fuel prices, which is badly hitting our business”, he claimed.
