PANJIM: GTDC has condemned the Centre for Responsible Tourism and termed the allegations as baseless and attempts to malign GTDC and its private service provider.
In a press release, the GTDC said it strongly believes that this is the handiwork of certain lobbies envious over the success of the women taxi service. The GTDC, however, did not deny that a private agency Green Earth Trans Logistics Pvt. Ltd is actually providing the services, but instead chose to claim that it is providing efficient and excellent service and it was selected through a transparent tendering process.
“This is the process which has been followed in the past, in the present and for the future as well,” GTDC Chairman Nilesh Cabral said. The GTDC does not invest in any form other than providing logistical support, marketing, promotion and requisite permissions.
It claimed that appointment letters were given to all women taxi drivers and salaries were paid as specified in the appointment letters. All the vehicles are fitted with GPS tracking devices and can be immobilized from the control room in emergencies. The press release also claimed that all candidates serving as travel hostesses have been trained with skills in self-defense and provided with cans of pepper spray.
At no given time have male customers been catered to except when women passengers travel with their families. Only one travel hostess has been terminated for gross misconduct and violent behavior at the office and no harassment has been inflicted on the travel hostesses, the press note said.
