Says service app is official, ready for discussion with local taxi-owners
PANAJI
“As the incidents of beating up the taxi drivers of Goa Miles service by the local taxi service drivers are still going on, it would indirectly impact the State tourism industry. GoaMiles is the official App service in the State of Goa. Hence if there is any issue, the local taxi owners should discuss it with us and find a solution,” appealed Parashar Pai Khot, director (Operation) at GoaMiles. Khot was addressing a press conference on Friday at Panaji head office.
“We have all the necessary licences required for GoaMiles App service. This App service has been initiated in Goa only after bidding the tenders issued by the Goa government. Despite that, the local taxi owners are spreading rumours that GoaMiles is operating illegitimately. GoaMiles has been offering their services to locals as well as domestic and international tourists in low rates. This is generating sizable employment for the locals. The company is working towards promoting the State tourism, however, some persons with criminal mentality in North Goa wish to hamper the services offered by GoaMiles, without any valid reason. Such type of incidents may hamper the tourism industry in Goa. That is the reason, why such criminal mentality should be nipped in the bud,” stated Khot.
The Goa government has issued a notice regarding badge on October 16, 2020, making this badge compulsory. GoaMiles immediately implemented on this decision. The government did not allow those drivers who did not have a badge, to drive the vehicle. We have kept around 350 taxis on hold. Those who are in service currently, have 15-year residence certificate, police clearance certificate and the character certificate from the local MLA, and that’s the reason why they have been issued the badges. Despite that, the local taxi drivers are harassing GoaMiles drivers making an issue of the badge, alleged Khot.
He further pointed out that five of the local taxis which were stopped by GoaMiles, had badges from Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. One of them didn’t even have the driving licence. “We sincerely feel that the jobs in taxi business should go only to the locals. We are working towards this goal. We do not wish to make anyone jobless. Hence, the local taxi owners, without paying heed to those having a criminal mentality, should directly discuss the matter with us,” said Khot and expressed that discussions would lead to an amicable solution.
Meanwhile, the senior manager from the operations department, Hemant Prabhu Chodankar informed that they have met the North Goa Police Superintendent in this matter (physical assault to the taxi drivers of GoaMiles). “We have been assured that the local police inspectors would take note and stop such incidents of assault,” added Chodankar.
‘Mumbai, Pune service from Jan 2021, will offer employment to locals’
PANAJI: Goa Miles company will start App service in Mumbai and Pune from January 2021. The entire operations will be done from Goa. “This will generate employment to 500-700 local youth. They will get jobs in office, software technology section, call centres, etc,” said Parashar Pai Khot, director (Operation) at GoaMiles.
