the goan I network
MAPUSA
Asserting that GoaMiles app is of the government, Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar alias Babu on Thursday said GoaMiles app-based taxis was the number one service in the State.
“We are not against Goan taxi drivers. But GoaMiles is not doing anything illegal. They are not overcharging. We want taxis to be operated legally,” Ajgaonkar said in the Goa Legislative Assembly.
Babu was responding to Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao’s Zero Hour mention in the House that people in Colva were concerned and apprehensive over attempts to allow parking facility to GoaMiles taxis in the hotels along the coastal belt.
The discussion, however, remained inconclusive as the Benaulim MLA asked for half an hour discussion on the matter in the House, which was granted by the Speaker.
The Benaulim MLA said most Goans have migrated abroad and taxi drivers were the only few blue-blooded Goans who were eking out a living of their taxi business.
“If the taxi business goes out of the hands of the Goans what will be the future of the Goan drivers? Do you want these taxi drivers to go abroad?” Alemao asked.
The tourism minister said Goa’s name was getting spoiled due to the Goan taxi drivers and everyone will have to adept to new technology.
“If that is the case, then how did Goa twice win best tourism State award in the country,” Alemao retorted.
Supporting the app-based taxis, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho said the Benaulim MLA should find out with the people whether they were happy with GoaMiles or not.
“We must understand the tourists are looking for app-based taxis. Few people in the name of Goemkarponn want to kill the goose (tourism) that is laying the golden egg,” Godinho said.
“Don’t misguide the people of Goa. There is misconception that if app-based taxis is used their income will be reduced,” he added.
Supporting the Benaulim MLA, Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco said the Goan drivers had invested in the taxis and they have to be compensated.
Surprisingly, Waste Management Minister Michael Lobo, who is a supporter of the tourist taxis owners, was not present in the House when the discussion came up.
