PANAJI
Facing a backlash over the decision to charge bikers for ferry rides, Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai, who also holds the River Navigation portfolio, on Friday said that a "final decision" on the matter will be taken by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
Phaldesai said, that after considering the sentiments of the people, he will discuss the issue with Sawant, who will take the final call. The minister, however, said that it is prudent to charge for services if better facilities are wanted even as he claimed that some are opposing the decision merely for political reasons.
"I respect the democratic process. If anyone has any objection regarding this decision, we are ready to discuss it with them," Phal Dessai said, adding that the government will go ahead with this decision only if the public agrees.
The decision will not be "imposed", he said. "The government gives financial assistance to the people under various schemes, but it is not possible to give everything free," Phal Dessai said.
Phal Dessai had announced earlier this week that Rs 600 per month for four-wheelers and Rs 150 for two-wheelers will be charged on ferries across Goa from mid-November.
Phal Dessai said this fee structure was reasonable and with this monthly pass, the person can take as many ferry rides as he wishes during that month. He argued that currently, four-wheeler users pay Rs 20 per trip, so if he makes two trips a day, he was shelling out over Rs 1,000 a month.
