Owners of tourist taxis in the coastal belt of North Goa are requesting the chief minister and transport minister to relax the ‘badge’ rule for drivers until January 15th. They claim that traffic police and RTO officials are issuing fines of Rs 10,000 to drivers without badges, causing significant financial strain during the lucrative Christmas to New Year period. The opening of the Mopa airport has resulted in many previously employed drivers starting their own taxi services, making it difficult for taxi owners to find qualified drivers. The taxi owners are now forced to hire drivers from neighboring states, who possess badges issued by their respective transport departments. However, these badges are not recognized in Goa, leading to constant fines and roadblocks for the taxi owners. They are requesting the chief minister to temporarily relax the badge rule until January 15th, allowing them to operate during the peak tourist season without the fear of hefty fines and loss of business. They argue that this would also support the chief minister’s vision of encouraging Goans to be self-reliant and venture into their own businesses.