PANJIM: After assuring the High Court of Bombay at Goa on the implementation of digital taxi meters, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo claimed that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has in principle agreed to grant 90 percent subsidy to install meters and speed governors.
Lobo, who led a delegation of taxi operators to the Chief Minister, said, “We had sought that the government grant 90 percent subsidy to install digital meters and speed governors. These systems are mandatory as per the directions of the High Court and Supreme Court respectively. CM has in-principle agreed to our demand,”
The meeting was also attended by Minister Vijai Sardesai and taxi operators from the North and South Goa Taxi Owners’ Associations.
The operators are now expecting a cabinet decision followed by a notification for smooth implementation of the courts’ directives even as SGTOA will take a decision on Thursday.
Lobo said, the Chief Minister discussed on the Expression of Interest which will have an important criterion for the bidders to open its workshop/service centre in Goa.
The MLA further said that operators urged the government to revise the fare rates notified in 2013. “We don’t want our taxi operators to be at a loss and also that passengers do not face any inconvenience. We have therefore requested the CM to revise the rates,” he said.
Meanwhile, the High Court on Wednesday heard the petition on the delayed implementation of digital taxi meters wherein the State government assured quick implementation.
It has also come to light that the State has decided to withdraw its notification kept in abeyance on the order for installation of meters. The court will now hear the matter on December 11 to monitor the progress of the implementation.
