From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network—Panaji (CN)

Panaji, Feb 11: Goa's taxi operators went on a bagging spree on Monday February 9, as a novel protest to highlight the marginalization of their business due to the increasing advent of corporate taxi houses and tour operators.

'Bagging for Justice', was the name of their protest held under the banner of Federation of Associations of Tourist Taxi Owners and Drivers (FATTOD) wherein the taxi operators went around the beaches, bagging.

"We are virtually on the street. Despite several memorandums, the state tourism ministry has failed to adhere to our demands," said George Fernandes, president, FATTOD.

The taxi operators who ferry the tourists across the state have found themselves in an uncertain situation with tour operators sidelining them and corporate taxi companies eyeing Goa's market. " The taxi business is a source of employment for thousands of Goan families," quipped Fernandes.

“The tour operators have been resorting to illegal means to secure clients and this is adversely affecting our business”, he said.

In the run up to the Lok Sabha polls, the taxi operators on Monday threatened to not allow a single campaign meeting in the region, if their demands are not met.

"We will disturb the MP elections and will not let any canvassing happen here", said Alerio Fernandes, vice-president, FATTOD.

The state tourism ministry has said that they are considering demands of the taxi operators.

"The question of government not responding to the taxi operators' demands does not arise because we are in continuous dialogue with both the parties (tour operators and taxi operators)", said Lyndon Monteiro, officer on special duty to the state tourism ministry.

He said that the ministry is working towards a solution which will benefit the tourism industry in the state.