The firm stand of the government to continue with Goa Miles must be appreciated and it would be prudent for all legislators across party lines to support the initiative in the interest of Goans. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s tough posturing will send a message loud and clear that businesses run in mafia-style cannot be tolerated. It is to be seen how much of a backing he gets on the floor of the House when the Legislative Assembly goes into session from July 15.
The chief minister has laid out some bare facts. There are around 1000 operators renting out some 18,000 bikes. This means an average of 18 bikes per operator. This is in addition to 2560 cars given out on self-drive. The chief minister has stated that only 500 have valid licenses with the rest operating illegally. The question here is why has the government let it go out of control and watched helplessly. This only suggests that authorities have succumbed to these illegalities rather than countering them with an iron hand. If the government attempts
to crack the whip now, it will be only seen as retaliatory
tactics to arm-twist the taxis into surrendering.
The government has itself to blame for giving the taxis the long rope. Tourist taxis have managed to pull the brakes on fare meters and speed governors despite court orders to that effect. The last time taxi owners went riot in the capital city was when speed governors were being introduced. It’s testimony of the fact that they not only have the muscle power to fight the system but also enjoy tremendous political clout.
Slamming any idea of any app-based service only goes to show that the taxis don’t want to come under the ambit of any controls. If the government has to initiate a conciliatory approach as suggested by the All India Trade Union Congress, it can only begin with the sole precondition that the app-based service cannot be abandoned at this stage. Discussions on all other parameters like fares, routes, jurisdiction and even the operative part of the application itself is a subject matter
that the government and stakeholders will have to discuss
and decide.
The only way out of the current situation is for the tourist taxis to embrace an app-based service and move forward. They must understand the fact that the odds are against them. The argument on Goemkar and Goemkarponn which was held out doesn’t hold ground since there is a Goan either side, whether it is the local taxi operator or the Goa Miles. Leave aside the tourists, even the Goan passengers have given a thumbs up to the service despite the few drawbacks.
Every new system takes time to stabilize, and everyone knows that it takes a little longer in Goa, thanks to the susegad attitude that the State is known for. It’s never too late. The government should go in a stock-taking mode and stop issuing fresh licenses. Stringent systems should be in place before it sets about clearing the mess. The government can’t take two steps back and succumb to the taxi lobby.
