the goan I network
PANAJI
App-based taxi service GoaMiles has strongly protested against moves being made by the Anjuna-Caisua panchayat to deem its operations within its jurisdiction as illegal.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, GoaMiles strongly advocated its existence, supported by the State government, which it emphasizes, is also providing employment to hundreds of taxi owners/drivers from the village. “GoaMiles, the app-based taxi service is a part of Goa Tourism’s initiative to provide affordable transport services to tourists as well as locals in Goa,” a press release issued on Saturday, mentioned.
“GoaMiles has expressed regret that lately lots of people with vested interests are working against this initiative and creating lots of trouble for the taxi owners/drivers who have opted to be a part of the GoaMiles service,” it went on to say.
According to Justine Nunes, spokesperson of GoaMiles, the app-based service operates on three major principles: No commission from driver’s pocket, no peak hour surcharges to passengers and day time fixed rates to taxi owners with 35% increase in night charges.
According to reports, the Anjuna-Caisua panchayat has convened an extraordinary meeting of the gram sabha to pass a resolution against the GoaMiles app-based taxi service in the State. GoaMiles has strongly criticized this move. It further points that this move will affect hundreds of families in the village who are connected with the app-based service and earning a livelihood to support their families.
Nunes referred to a writ petition filed by the TTAG (Writ Petition Number 468 of 2005) which stated that ‘The learned counsel appearing for the Panchayat submits that the Panchayat will not in any manner curb the business of the petitioners contrary to law and their respective fundamental rights as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution of India except for regulating it in the interest of the Panchayat. It is made clear that the panchayats have no authority to restrict the business carried out by the petitioners (TTAG) and by such resolution which would create monopoly in favour of either of the parties and thereby deprive the right of the others who are in the business except for regulating their entry and exit in their jurisdiction in larger public interest. The legal terms are clear. Many of the app-based taxi owners and drivers are also part of the village panchayat and any resolution passed by panchayats will adversely affect their interests,” said Nunes.
“GoaMiles is an authorized business initiative crafted by Goa Tourism Development Corporation. This initiative is mainly in the interest of Goan taxi owners and tourists visiting Goa to have a win-win situation for all stakeholders. We feel this successful concept has been misunderstood by some local taxi owners due to vested interests of few,” Nunes said.
GoaMiles drivers meet DySP Serafino, demand justice in stone pelting case
MARGAO: A large number of drivers of Goa Miles descended outside the Margao district police headquarters on late Saturday demanding justice for the taxi driver whose taxi was stoned at Colva earlier in the day. While the taxi drivers waited outside the headquarters, a delegation called on Margao sub-divisional police officer DySP Serafino Dias demanding arrest of the persons involved in the stoning incident. DySP Dias explained to the delegation that the Colva police has been prompt in registering all persons involved in the incident. He further assured the delegation that not only the accused would be arrested, but the case will be charge sheeted in the court of law.
