PANAJI
The State government is planning to launch a digital platform to bring all taxi operators onto a single system where point-to-point fares will be uniform, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said on Thursday. Godinho said the move would bring greater transparency and fair pricing, and help improve taxi services in the State for both tourists and local residents.
The minister made the statement in the Goa Legislative Assembly while replying to the discussion on the demands for grants related to the Transport Department.
Godinho urged all legislators to work positively towards building consensus among taxi operators so that they join the digital platform.
He said the digital platform is currently being prepared and discussions with taxi operators are underway to reach a consensus before it is implemented. On the issue of frequent road accidents claiming lives, Godinho said the compensation for road accident victims has been doubled from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. Until February this year, Rs 1.72 crore has been disbursed to 75 beneficiaries under the scheme, he added.
“Assistant Directors of Transport (ADTs) have been instructed to process documents with the families of victims after the mourning period ends,” Godinho said.
Meanwhile, replying to the debate on the demands for the panchayats and industries portfolios he also holds, Godinho said the government has started the process to extend the Seventh Pay Commission benefits to panchayat employees.
The proposal has received administrative approval and will move ahead once financial clearance is granted. “This will ensure parity and recognition for grassroots staff,” Godinho said.
Godinho also said that despite the Central government reducing funding for panchayats by 65 per cent, rural local bodies are continuing to deliver services efficiently. To strengthen service delivery, engineers have been appointed on contract to oversee online services. So far, 65 panchayats have introduced digital facilities for citizens, he said.
Godinho said waste management has also improved. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, several panchayats including Nagoa, Chicalim, Bogmalo, Harvalem, Karapur, Navelim, Poinguinim, Shiroda, Xeldem, Assolda and Sanvordem have begun garbage collection drives. “In addition, 109 panchayats now have material recovery facility (MRF) systems, while 75 have made temporary arrangements for them,” Godinho said.
“Financial discipline is also being emphasised. Panchayats are preparing special accounts to ensure proper use of Finance Commission grants. Under the Deendayal Rural Infrastructure Scheme, 76 projects have already been completed,” the minister said.
On the industries front, Godinho said improved facilities and incentives are attracting investment to Goa. “Industrial land sales have increased as entrepreneurs are responding positively to the State’s push for infrastructure and services,” he said.
Meanwhile, Godinho was interrupted several times by Opposition MLAs during the debate, leading to tense exchanges. The minister also hinted at political interference in panchayat administration.
