Goa’s depleting treasury due to the present mining ban could have been further enhanced but instead it is losing revenue in lakhs! An amount that can easily be collected through fines, if they were sincerely imposed by the Directorate of Transport on the frequent offenders of the Motor Vehicle Rules. But alas, there is a lack of political will to do so!
It has been further learnt through a RTI application that following are some of the fines imposed by the transport department for offences such as driving recklessly or dangerously – Rs 700/-; driving at a speed exceeding the limit – Rs 800/-; allowing unauthorised persons to drive the bus – Rs 700/-; delaying en route/crawling – Rs 700/-; unauthorised stop – Rs 700/-; passengers in drivers cabin – Rs 700/-; not issuing tickets – Rs 500/-; driver/conductor without uniform – Rs 100/-; acting as conductor without licence – Rs 100/-; timing not displayed – Rs 100/- and violation of standards prescribed (such as not marking reserved seats for ladies, senior citizens and physically handicapped inside the bus) – Rs 600/-.
But unfortunately, hardly any firm disciplinary action is ever taken by the RTO on those frequently violating the above Motor Vehicle Rules and Regulations that only encourages these habitual violators to continue their careless actions.
Besides, if a drive is immediately commenced by the Directorate of Transport on a serious note sternly imposing the above fines on those not obeying the law, it could earn substantial revenue to the State Exchequer. Since for example, none of the more than 450 private buses plying in the State issue tickets and if they are fined Rs 500 each for this offence alone, it could generate revenue of more than 2 lakhs in a single day and over Rs 7 crores annually!
But will it happen is the proverbial multi-billion query as political will seems to find support with the private bus operators lobby instead of the welfare of the State, and its citizens.
Gary Azavedo, by email
Probe long overdue
The probe into the Serula Communidade land allotment fraud was long overdue but unless it gets to the bottom of the rot it will be a mere eyewash. It was imperative that Goa’s infamous Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar should have been one of the prime accused. Other politicians and top officials who have illegally and highhanded mauled into this community land should also be in the dragnet.
But as expected those land grabbers having the blessings and links with the current government will be conveniently off the hook. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) cannot be reduced to a Parrikar Investigation Team (PIT). This is contrary to the mandate of the Supreme Court that the police should be totally insulated from political control and manipulation.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Holistic solution
Drunk driving is a cause for serious concern in Goa as the majority of accidents are attributed to alcohol consumption. The problem poses a challenge to the local police force as domestic tourists flock to the state because of the availability of liquor at less than half the cost they pay in their own states. That being the case nine out of ten male domestic tourists are known to consume alcohol at some time in the day in Goa. The police will have to arrest every second domestic tourist — an impossible task.
Before enforcing a complete ban on drunk driving the state must ensure that tourists have an option to leave their vehicles behind and travel by available and affordable transport. Tourists cannot be expected to walk home at mid-night or early mornings from a far away pub , eatery or hotel. If taxis and autos are not available late at night, or they cost a bomb, tourists will continue to drive under influence of alcohol. We require a holistic solution to the serious problem of drunk driving , and not merely imposing fines randomly, for that wont work.
Prof Robert Castellino, Calangute
