Team Herald
PANJIM: The High Court of Bombay at Goa is likely to pronounce its verdict on Monday in the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) petition seeking immediate implementation of the government’s decision to install digital taxi meters.
The court, which is hearing the matter since last year, has already expressed disappointment at the delay pointing out that the government keeps coming up with technical excuses.
At the last hearing, Transport Department had submitted to the court a notification issued by the Central government on April 18 this year extending the date of implementation of installation of meters up to April 1, 2019. Earlier, as per the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, it was to be made effective from April 1 this year.
Transport Department has already invited bids for digital meters, and as per the affidavit for the first six months, orders will be allotted to the lowest bidder, after which other eligible bidders will be permitted to install meters at the lowest empanelled rates.
Goa Electronics Limited (GEL) will develop a Central Tracking Record System (CTRS) to track data from vehicles fitted with GPS devices.
TTAG, supported by Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and other stakeholders, had moved the court in February 2017 alleging that the government was illegally and unconstitutionally keeping in abeyance the implementation of the decision and sought directions for its immediate enforcement.
In June 2015, Transport Department had issued a notification making it mandatory for tourist taxis to install GPS-enabled digital meters, but it was subsequently kept on hold following an agitation by some taxi operators. It had also incorporated a provision of granting 50 percent subsidy or Rs 5,000 towards its purchase.
