PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday urged the striking taximen to be patient even as he asserted that issues raised by them will be resolved soon.
Sawant, however, did not say what will be done to resolve the taxi imbroglio stemming from the recurring tussle between free-lancing taximen and Goa's sole government facilitated private app-based taxi service aggregator GoaMiles.
Goa's private taxi operators have since last Friday been on strike, during which there have been several instances of violence including damage to taxi vehicles and drivers operating through GoaMiles.
Sawant said, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho is handling the issue and merely added that action will be initiated against those taking law into their hands, referring to the violence.
"The taxi issue is being handled by the transport minister. Action will be taken against anyone who takes law in their own hands,” Sawant said.
Meanwhile, Ports Minister Michael Lobo, seen as sympathetic towards the striking taximen has proposed a two-step formula to end the stalemate.
Lobo who met Sawant on Monday and discussed the issue has proposed closure of the GoaMiles counter at the Dabolim airport and compulsory installation of digital fare meters as per the High Court direction on all taxis.
"Half the issue will be resolved if GoaMiles' airport counter is removed and digital meters are made mandatory," said Lobo who represents Calangute constituency which is the hub of Goa's tourism.
Sawant, however, has remained non-committal to Lobo's suggestion.
