Days after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant made a strong pitch for technology-driven governance — highlighting the taxi sector as a key area needing reform — Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President Damu Naik appeared to contradict that stance, saying on Tuesday that the issue requires careful study before action.
Speaking to reporters, Naik announced that a committee would be formed to examine the complexities of Goa’s taxi industry. “Taxi operators have supported their families through this business for generations. The committee will submit its report to the Chief Minister,” he said.
When asked if the party was interfering in government matters, Naik dismissed the suggestion. “The issue will be handled by the government. However, some IAS officers don’t understand the ground realities. They look at Goa through the lens of Delhi or Bengaluru. But Goa is different — here, there’s no guarantee a taxi will find a passenger after a trip,” he added.
Naik’s comments come soon after CM Sawant addressed the inauguration of the new Directorate of Prosecution office in Panjim, where he cited a recent taxi assault case in Pernem as a wake-up call for reform. In that incident, a passenger assaulted the driver and fled with the vehicle.
“Had there been a proper digital system such as a taxi booking app, it would have been much easier for the police to identify and apprehend the culprit,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister stressed that embracing digital platforms is crucial not just for the taxi sector but across all areas of governance. “Technology adoption is essential in every sector, especially tourism. Digitalisation is the only way forward to ensure public safety, transparency, and accountability,” he added.