VASCO: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Saturday clarified that he didn’t coerce taxi operators to join GoaMiles App, but convinced them to withdraw their strike. 

He reiterated that the app-based taxi service, in long term, is beneficial and sustainable. The Chief Minister was speaking after praying for the blessings of Lord Damodar during the Saptah, Vasco. Later, Dr Sawant met Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida, Mormugao Municipal Council councillors and noted businessman Nana Bandekar at his residence, where he had a friendly discussion on various issues.

When asked by reporters how he managed to convince the taxi operators to withdraw their strike, Dr Sawant stated that he did not coerce or force them to join GoaMiles. 

Clarifying that the government was not forcing the taxi operators to join GoaMiles, he said, “In the long term, app-based taxi service will be beneficial and sustainable. Most of the MLAs have convinced taxi operators from their areas to join GoaMiles.”