Govt yet to decide on agency to train taxi drivers in traffic signals, etiquette

PANJIM: The State government is yet to decide on engaging Goa Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (GIPARD) or an outside agency to train taxi drivers in traffic signals and etiquette even as taxi unions stood firm on not attending such sessions.

Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, who had announced about training taxi drivers, stated that the process is in the final stages and that one of the agencies recommended by the Centre would be roped for training. He said that these agencies have imparted training to taxi drivers in other States.

Godinho said that taxi drivers, who apply for new badges or seek renewal of badges will have to undergo two weeks training session by experienced faculty.

Director of Transport Rajan Satardekar said that either the Goa Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (GIPARD) or any other agency would be appointed to train the drivers in traffic signals and etiquette. There will be options in choosing the agency, he said. 

He said that such training is required for taxi drivers so as to create a positive image of the State among tourists visiting the touristic State.

On the other hand, taxi union leader Sudip Tamankar said that they will not attend such training sessions when taxi drivers undergo all the requirements. He said that anybody seeking a badge to drive a taxi has to first apply for a character certificate and 15-year domicile from the respective panchayat/municipality and also police clearance which shows that he is courteous and had good behaviour. “When an applicant fulfils all these requirements to get a badge what is the need to undergo training later?” he asked.    

He claimed that Goan taxi drivers are well versed with the topography of the State and know all the touristic spots and there are no instances of drivers misbehaving with the tourists visiting the State. He charged that the government is unnecessarily creating fear in the minds of the drivers and people. 

All Goa Tourist Taxi Association (AGTTA) president Chetan Kamat too said that they will not undergo training sessions. “There is no need of training when we know to behave with the tourists/guests visiting the State. Our guests which itself is a certificate that we are courteous.”

He said that perhaps the issue of training has cropped up due to some non-Goan drivers applying for badges to drive vehicles registered under an aggegator.