Team Herald
PANJIM: Transport Department has apologised to the High Court of Bombay at Goa for not implementing its order on fitting digital taxi meters from August 1, 2019. The government has assured the court to implement the scheme from December 4, 2019.
In his reply to the contempt petition filed by Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), Transport Director Rajan Satardekar tendered an unconditional apology to the court and denied all allegations over the delay in enforcing the project.
“I unconditionally apologise for the inability to adhere to the time limits specified in the order dated July 5, 2019. The Department will now ensure that necessary measures are taken and actual works start and are completed at the earliest,” stated the affidavit-in-reply.
“I deny all allegations made in the petition. I am presently not dealing with the allegations and statements made in the petition and I crave leave to file a detailed affidavit at a later stage, if required.”
During the last hearing in
October, the high court had slapped a contempt notice on the State for not implementing its order. The division bench, comprising Justice Mahesh Sonak and Justice Nutan Sardessai, also directed the Chief Secretary to file an affidavit explaining reasons for the delay as well as why action on the contempt petition should not be taken.
Satardekar’s reply reiterated the apology clarifying that the delay was due to practical difficulties. “I tender unconditional apology to this Court for not being able to adhere to the time limits mentioned in the order dated July 5, 2019. I have highest respect and regard for the majesty of this Court and I had absolutely no intention of flouting or violating any order. I say that failure to abide by the time limit for starting implementation of the project on pilot basis and to commence the installation on regular basis was on account of practical difficulties and subsequent events,” he said.
In the affidavit, the officer revealed that the agency involved in the tendering process, as well as the monitoring and implementation, viz Goa Electronics Limited, had sought approval for use and operation of Central Tracking Response System (CTRS), a software developed and maintained by BSNL. The approval was sought as the software is necessary for integration with the devices fixed in the vehicles. The proposal was forwarded by the department to the government for a decision to be taken in the matter.
“The agency sought details of taluka-wise registration of passenger taxis and fair rates which are required to be fed into the devices and the details of the number of taxis and particulars about the taxis which would be covered in the work to be done on pilot basis. The details were to be compiled and provided to the agency. A complaint was received on July 15, 2019 alleging illegalities in the tendering process, which was done for awarding the work in question. The complaint was being examined by the government,” it adds.
Incidentally, the monsoon session of the Legislative Assembly was in progress from July 15 till August 9 and the tourist taxi operators had resorted to a sudden strike.
The officer also informed the court that the department has to enter into an arrangement with BSNL for CTRS software required to commence the work. The procedure has been initiated and completed shortly. “All the necessary measures will be taken at the earliest to enable the agencies to immediately start the implementation on pilot basis and thereafter on regular basis,” the officer said.
The high court has adjourned the matter for next hearing on December 5, 2019 to monitor the progress of the government’s assurance.
