VASCO
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Saturday made it clear that the State government was bound by financial rules and hence, could not provide free digital meters to taxi operators.
Godinho was speaking to reporters at the Chicalim Panchayat, after a function on Swachh Bharat Mission in Grameen Areas organised by Mormugao BDO and attended by around nine panchayat bodies.
“There are certain financial rules by which the government is bound and hence, giving digital meters free of cost is not possible. As of now, we are reimbursing the entire amount including all charges involved in the installation of digital meters.”
“Previously, taxi operators were getting reimbursement in two parts, 50 per cent within a short time and 50 per cent within a year. But after they complained that they cannot afford to pay the charges and backend services, we changed the scheme again to ensure that we reimburse the entire amount inclusive of all charges immediately after installation of meters,” said Godinho.
“Taxi operators will have to install meters at their own cost and fill a form. Within a day, the entire amount is credited back into their account. We cannot break the financial rule and taxi operators must realise that such a scheme is not available anywhere in India. This scheme is specially made by the State government for taxi operators.”
Godinho also said every legislator and minister was concerned about the state of roads in their respective constituencies.
“We have repeatedly been giving representations to the PWD minister and I have now taken up the matter with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. I can safely say that road works will start by November end and all these works will fall in place by December end. Work orders cannot be given by the PWD till monsoons are over,” said Godinho.
‘TMC will not matter to BJP’
VASCO: Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said the entry of Trinamool Congress (TMC) would not make any difference to the BJP in the State.
“BJP has got a track record of performance, development and giving schemes to people. These new parties are making tall claims and making mega announcements, knowing that they will never come to power.”
“Any political party is welcome to Goa and it will not make any difference to BJP in Goa,” said Godinho.
