PANAJI: Addressing a press conference after the withdrawal of the three-day strike by taxi operators, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said, “The delegation of taxi owners which was accompanied by Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo brought my notice that a case on speed governors was also going on in the SC and that the State Government should file an intervention petition to the same. We will put our view point before the SC,” he assured stating, “We ourselves are not convinced that 80 km speed limit could change any situation on the ground in Goa. I am of the opinion that it should be at least 100 km. Secondly, taxis in Goa are not involved in too many accidents also.”
“It was my pre-condition to the delegation that only if they withdrew their strike that their reasonable demands could be considered. Particularly, the demand of going to the court, I have no problem. It is merely filing an affidavit in the court that Goa Government believes that it (speed governors) is not a requirement. Of course, new vehicles will come with speed governors, and it should not be a compulsion for old vehicles. We are ready to do it.”
One of their (taxi owners) demands was withdrawal of installation of speed governors. I told them it cannot be done as of now as it is the decision of the SC and act and rules framed by the Central Government. They however brought it to my notice that it is not possible to fit speed governors within the time frame as the required number of speed governors was not available. I have asked them to make a representation to the State Government regarding the same on Monday after which immediately we will take a decision.”
Stating that under section 110 (3) (B) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 the Central Government has given powers to the State Government to take decision on giving more time to install speed governors if they are unavailable, Parrikar said, “But it is only for giving additional time only if they are unavailable and not exemption in installation of speed governors. We will study and take a decision on Monday.”
“The speed governors have to be installed within the specified time. But now the specified time of February 28 which I had given on my own, will be now given under the provisions of the Act. Now I have the legal authority to give it provided the reason for giving is non-availability”, he clarified.
