04 Aug 2019 | 06:21am IST
Govt warns unruly taxi operators with permit cancellation
PANJIM: Announcing that under no circumstances the app-based taxi service would be scrapped, the State government on Saturday warned to cancel permits of tourist taxis whose operators get involved in violence or misguide or instigate an agitation.
As tourist taxi vehicles remained off the road for the second consecutive day on Saturday, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant chaired a high-level meeting to take stock of the situation and decide the future course of action. Directions have been issued to Police, Transport Department and Kadamba Transport Corporation to make alternative arrangements to ferry visitors arriving the State.
The meeting, which was attended by Dy Chief Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, Ports Minister Michael Lobo, Goa Tourism Development Corporation chairman Dayanand Sopte and representatives of industrial bodies like Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), Hotel Association, who were unanimous that an app-based taxi service is the need of the hour.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Sawant said it was called to oversee the preparation in the wake of the taxi strike. “All the industry bodies present for the meeting have supported our stand for app-based taxi service. They have said that the decision is correct,” he said.
“We will never scrap the app-based taxi service. We have kept the option open for taxi operators. They can join GoaMiles or have their own app,” Sawant said. The Chief Minister said the step is in the interest of the tourism industry.
Since ESMA has been invoked, the Chief Minister has given directions to Tourism Department to take necessary action under the law against the agitators.
Speaking on the action, Godinho said those who have been misguided or instigate or create violence, will have their taxi permits cancelled and will have to re-apply for the permit. “Without police clearance, they will not be issued taxi permits,” Godinho said, adding that the department will start issuing notices to the offenders.
Ports Minister Michael Lobo said he is with the taxi operators but they cannot hold tourists to ransom for their ego. Lobo said that while several taxi operators are ready to join the app, some leaders were misguiding them. He expressed confidence that the issue would be solved in two days.
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Churchill, Reginaldo intervene, make no headway
Several taxi operators from South Goa, along with Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco and NCP MLA Churchill Alemao, met Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant late Saturday night to discuss a way out on the ongoing taxi issue. The Chief Minister, however, was firm on his stand that taxi operators should either join GoaMiles or develop their own app. While taxi operators and Lourenco refused to speak to the media, Alemao said the CM has given them the option and that he too feels that taxi operators should go with the app. “CM has assured them all support but now it is for the taxi operators to decide,” he said. Asked whether the taxi operators have agreed to withdraw the strike, Alemao said that he tried his best to convince them, but they want GoaMiles to be scrapped. “Let us wait and see. I will talk to them again,” he said.
Help lines set up for tourists
Govt has set up help lines at both Collectorates, 0832-2225383/ for North & 0832-2794100/1077/ 0832 2225383 for South Goa. Tourists are advised to plan & leave early to reach Airport/Bus stand/ Railway station well ahead of time. Speaking about alternate arrangements, the Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said that government will launch control room and the facility would be available 24x7. "We have done all preparations. I am personally monitoring it. All the hotels have introduced rent a cab and separate coaches. 100 KTC buses are in service," he said.
The CM said the State is equipped to handle matters concerning the tourism industry. “Our administration is equipped to handle matters concerning the tourism industry. I want to assure tourists visiting Goa that there are adequate intra State transport arrangements,” Sawant said in a statement. “Tourists, domestic as well as international, are most welcome to Goa,” he added.
