PANAJI
As the Goa government began consultations with taxi operators on the proposed digital taxi policy, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday directed constituting a committee to examine suggestions and concerns raised by stakeholders. The panel will meet taxi representatives within eight days before the State takes a final view on the proposed framework.
The decision followed a meeting chaired by Sawant at the Mantralaya and attended by representatives of 35 taxi associations along with ruling and Opposition MLAs. The proposed policy seeks to bring taxi operators onto a common digital platform with uniform fares while ensuring safety, transparency and convenience for tourists.
“We have requested a step-by-step approach over the next eight days regarding existing digital platforms and establishing proper uniform minimum rates along with safety, security, and transparency for tourists. A committee has been constituted to study the issues raised by taxi operators,” the CM told reporters after the meeting.
The four-member panel, constituted under the Transport Department, will gather feedback from taxi associations, examine the concerns and submit a report before a follow-up meeting.
Tourism and IT Minister Rohan Khaunte, who was also present at the meeting, said the government had explained the need for technological integration in the taxi sector while assuring operators that their earlier concerns had been considered.
“The taxi meeting has taken place and we presented the details. We explained that adopting technology is a must. We understood the issues raised during the previous meeting and introduced a plan to bring in a digital platform,” he said.
“Our effort is to bring tourism stakeholders and all taxis onto one platform with a uniform rate while providing them support. Their views have been taken into consideration and the CM has directed that a committee be formed to gather their suggestions,” Khaunte further said, adding that the government would meet operators again in about a week for further clarity.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said the government was not rushing the policy and would continue discussions with stakeholders. “Taxi operators are important stakeholders and ambassadors of tourism. We will listen to their grievances and refine the draft policy accordingly,” he said.
Godinho said the sector would eventually have to transition to a digital platform as it ensures security, transparency and proper regulation. “The government aims to introduce a system that benefits both taxi operators and tourists without harming Goa’s tourism industry,” he added.
