Team Herald
PANJIM: The Department of Transport has moved a file to relax education qualification from Class X to Class VIII for those seeking badges to drive public service vehicles like taxis in the State. However, the police clearance will be mandatory for them.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said that the government has moved a file to relax educational qualification from Class X to either Class VIII or VII because there are many Goan drivers in the State who are only Class VIII pass and do not qualify to apply for badges as Class X is mandatory for issuance of badge. The government is examining whether to relax it to Class VIII or VII, he said adding that, “We are doing it for the convenience of many Goan drivers who are only Class VIII pass and unable to seek badges since Class X is compulsory. He said that the matter was discussed during the last meeting.
To a question, the Transport Minister clarified that the State-owned Goa Taxi app cannot charge lower rates than the prescribed government fares as it will face audit objections.
Meanwhile, the All Goa Private Bus Owners Association (AGPBOA) has strongly opposed the government’s move to relax educational qualification for those seeking badges to drive public service vehicles. AGPBOA general secretary Sudip Tamankar alleged that the government is trying to finish Bahujan samaj engaged in public service business and hand over this business to outsiders.
“We will not allow the government to relax educational qualification making SSC mandatory to seek badges to drive taxis,” he said.