Panaji (Goa): The tourist taxi operators have called for a state-wide strike on January 19 to protest alleged harassment by RTO officers as well as the implementation of speed governors. The North and South tourist taxi associations have stood unanimous on the decision warning the strike could be indefinite if government fails to resolve the issues.

“We petitioned chief minister Manohar Parrikar, ministers, MPs with our genuine issues but there is not sincere approach to resolve them. We are left with no other option but to launch a protest by going off road,” president of North Goa Taxi Association Vasudev Arlekar said during a meeting.

South Goa Tourist Taxi Association General Secretart Roque Fernandes alleged that the RTO has been harassing them on the road as well as for renewal of permits at the office.

“During the peak season the RTO officers seize licences on flimsy grounds while we are on trips. During permit renewal, which has to be done within eight days, the RTO officers keep it pending for even a month,” he further alleged.

The associations also alleged that insurance companies have increased the premiums and they find it difficult to pay as the government too has hiked the interstate border taxes through Goods and Service Tax (GST).

Meanwhile, Goa Government has issued tender inviting the bidders for installation and commissioning of digital fare meters with printer, GPS device and panic button along with over head display for approximately 20,000 tourist taxis in Goa.

The move comes after the Goa Bench of Bombay High Court had directed the government to enforce the use of digital meters for the tourist taxis in the state and additionally as per the Rule 125-H of CMVR, all public services vehicles as defined under clause (35) of section2 of the Act, shall be equipped with or fitted with a vehicle location tracking device and one or more emergency button.