VASCO: A large number of Goan taxi operators on Saturday protested outside Dabolim airport opposing opening of new rent-a-cab taxi counter at airport.
The taxi operators said that their protest was peaceful and their objective was to urge Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to sort out their issues and stop opening of new rent a cab taxi counter at airport.
Over a hundred taxi operators from North Goa and South Goa participated in the protest.
The taxi operators told the media that they have received information that a new rent-a-cab taxi counter is about to start at the airport. A non-Goan is going to start a rent-a-cab business. This will hamper the business if the local taxi operators.
Taxi operators further said that a counter was expected to open on Saturday, but it was cancelled by the owner of that counter sensing strong opposition from the local taxi operators. The protestors said that there are thousands of taxi operators who are self-employed and are dependent on tourist taxi business, but if some private outside players starts setting up counters at the airport then what should be done by the local youth who are surviving on this business, they asked.
When asked what were their demands and future course of action, the taxi operators said that only ten percent of the taxi operators present for the peaceful protest on Saturday. If the counter opens, then they would be left with no other option than create law and order situation.
The taxi operators have also requested Sawant to intervene in the matter.
