TEAM HERALD
PANJIM:
Despite the taxi drivers declaring extending strike to third day on Sunday, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar seemed to be in no mood to relent saying “he has no powers to revert decision on speed Governors.”
“The Central government, based on a report from the committee, has already withdrawn exemptions to taxis on speed governors with a notification on 15th April 2015. But despite this I had given them a temporary relief and extraordinary fitness certificates for six months, deadline of which ends on February 24, 2018,” the chief minister said addressing a press conference.
“This is not what Parrikar wants. I will face contempt if I don’t implement it. I cannot go against law,” he said referring to taxi leaders allegations against government.
The chief minister said that the taxi operators have gone on a strike without proper discussion or intimation.
“I have received no memorandum of their demands and whatever I know is come from well wishers and the media. The taxi associations have just given me a letter on January 18 they they will be going off-road,” Parrikar.
Further Parrikar said when he last gave extraordinary fitness certificate it was told to them they have to fit speed governors within six months.
The chief minister disclosed that entire country has implemented the central decision and Goa is the only one left.
“Even Delhi (ruled by AAP) and Karnataka (ruled by Congress) have implemented, why haven’t they objected?” asked Parrikar referring to support of AAP and Congress to taxi operators.
When pointed out that the operators have extended strike by another day, he said, “I am watching it and I do not want to comment on strike. I am only explaining legal position here.”
“I do not want to comment what measures government will take against the strike. I will hold meeting with my cabinet colleagues and take collective decision. But I can only say I have no powers to exempt speed governors,” he stated.
“Speed governors is a legal requirement and a central Act I cannot do anything. If someone feels it can b done than please get me a legal opinion and I will abide by it,” he said.
On inconvenience caused to tourists, Parrikar said, “I understand that but government is providing full help to tourists. We have introduced many buses and helplines numbers have been given to everyone. In coming days I am hopeful many taxis will get back to work.”
Chief minister furthers aid that the fitting of meters is at initial stage.
“We have just asked for expression of interest and it will take nearly six months for implementation. But again it is a High Court decision which has to be followed,” he said.
Parrikar also refused to comment on the on app based taxi service.
“I have not made any comment on app based taxi you ask those who made statements,” he said.
Parrikar also ruled out any subsidy to speed governors saying already 4500 taxis out of 17000 have already fitted speed governors.
On private bus owners joining replied, he said, “let them join. We will see what to do.”
Furthermore, as expected Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said that the contract of taxis hired by the government departments who have failed to turn up will be terminated.
“As per contract they have to come to work everyday and when they don’t turn up the contract automatically fails and hence it will be terminated,” he said.
On Friday Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar said that the government has taken a strong view against all those taxi operator who have been hired by various Government departments for official work and have not reported to work due to the illegal taxi strike. “I have directed the concerned departments to send a report to the Government and we shall decide on their termination and suspension of permits in due course of time,” he said.
The transport minister had stated that if the illegal taxi strike is not withdrawn then the transport department shall invite leading taxi aggregators like Uber and Ola to operate in Goa for which entire responsibility shall lie upon the office bearers of the taxi union.
