PANAJI
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Friday said that the mandatory implementation of digital meters was a directive of the High Court which the taxi operators have still not complied with.
Replying to media questions on Friday, the minister reiterated his support for a digital push in taxi services as he briefly responded to MLA Michael Lobo’s sharp criticism over the draft taxi aggregator policy.
“Digital meters were based on a High Court order. Some people have the habit of speaking and I don't want to drag the issue... Don’t create any confusion unless there is something that can be sorted out,” Godinho said, reacting to Lobo’s comments. “I am not bitter about it,” the minister quickly added, without further elaboration.
His remarks come after Lobo told the media that the draft aggregator policy had been framed by the minister. However, Godinho refrained from fuelling the political sparring, maintaining a calm stance on the matter. “I am focused on evolving a solution. I will do it and show, as far as the transport and taxi sector is concerned,” he said.
The minister reiterated the integration of the State’s taxi operations with app-based services. “My aim is to bring everybody on the digital platform and use the technology for the betterment of the State, trade and tourism,” he added.
Godinho also clarified that the issue of non-compliance with digital meters by taxi operators predated his tenure, the order, which he claimed has still not been adhered to. “Who knew they (taxi operators) would not use the digital meters? It is a known fact. You check the entire records... All this was decided (High Court order) before I came as minister,” he stated.
The government has often indicated that the app has been an outcome of non-compliance with the High Court orders. Choosing not to comment on the revised version of the Goa Taxi App, Godinho said the government's intent remains firm. “We are determined to bring all taxi services on the app and that is why incentives have been announced,” he said.
While he continued to remain tight-lipped on the intra-government disagreement, Godinho said he was clear in his support for reforms in the sector, expressing confidence that all stakeholders would eventually align with the app-based system.
