Team Herald
PANJIM: Despite taxi drivers extending their strike to a third day on Sunday, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar appeared to be in no mood to relent saying, “he has no powers to reverse 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“The Central government, based on a report from the committee, has already withdrawn exemptions to taxis on speed governors with a notification on April 15, 2015. But despite this I had given them 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 the law,” he said referring to taxi leaders’ allegations against the government.
The Chief Minister said 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 has come from well wishers and the media. The taxi associations have just given me a letter on January 18 that they will be going off the road,” Parrikar said.
Further, Parrikar said when extraordinary fitness certificates were last given they were told they would 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 (AAP government) and Karnataka (Congress government) have implemented, why haven’t they objected?” Parrikar asked, 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 the strike. I am only explaining the legal position here.”
“I do not want to comment what measures the government will take against the strike. I will hold a meeting with my cabinet colleagues and take a collective decision. But I can only say I have no powers to exempt speed governors,” he stated.
“Speed governor is a legal requirement and a Central Act I cannot do anything. If someone feels it can be 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 helpline numbers have been given to everyone. In the coming days I am hopeful many taxis will get back to work.”
The Chief Minister said fitting of meters is at an 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 ruled out any subsidy to speed governors saying 4,500 taxis out of 17,000 have already fitted speed governors. On private bus owners joining replied, he said, “Let them join. We will see what to do.”
