the goan I network
MARGAO
Saying that he personally is in favour of protecting the interests of Goans engaged in operations such as tourist taxi trade and shacks, the TCP Minister, however, made it clear that the time has come to adopt the technology and also recognize the universal doctrine that the consumer is the King.
“The government is ready to support the local tourist taxi operators to create a platform by adopting the appropriate technology and also settle issues how to make the consumer a king,” he told tourist taxi operators from North and South Goa, who called on him along with Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao at the district Collectorate on Thursday.
He said the Parrikar-led government is not in favour of any Ola and Uber taxi platforms from entering the state, but at the same time sounded a warning to the local tourist taxi operators to keep pace with the changing times by adopting the technology and recognize that consumer is a king. “The government will support you to create an App platform under brand Goa. You can also compile figures of how guests are charged in Goa as compared to Mumbai,” he said.
Saying that he is willing to play the role of a spokesman for Goan interests in the government, Sardesai, however, made it clear that he cannot undermine the demand to consider consumer as a king and to switch over to technology. “Since the meeting will take place in a week’s time, you consult your legal counsel and come prepared for the meeting. Finally, the government should take a stand how to face the legal battle if any writ comes in the court,” he added.
Asserting that they have not been elected by Uber and Ola, Sardesai said the government will protect the interests of local taxi operators for sure, but sound a word of caution by saying “whatever we do, it should be within the set rules”. When the tourist taxi operators pointed out that the transport department has displayed the rates outside the hotels, and that it is the hotels which charge the fares on their behalf, Sardesai said the government will come out with a comprehensive solution to the issue.
Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao said he is duty bound to support the taxi operators since he was instrumental in making a strong case for tourism expansion in the late 80’s. “Goans are involved in running the taxis and the shacks. If Ola and Uber enters into Goa, our youth will have to leave the state and move abroad”, he said, adding that the hotels notify the fares and that the operators have no role in fixing the rates.
