The Confederation of Indian Industry’s Goa chapter has stood by the state government and requested Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to remain firm in the ongoing tussle with the taxi operators. It has asked the government not to surrender to the demand to scrap GoaMiles.
Atul Jadhav, Chairman CII, wrote a letter to Sawant stating that the protests by taxi operators are harmful to the progress of the state. Jadhav further stated that it is unreasonable to put forth uncompetitive demands such as scrapping of the app based aggregator.
“The CII would like to urge the government not to succumb to the pressures of the taxi lobby in the state, but ensure that GoaMiles continues its operations and also allow other app-based taxi service aggregators to operate in the interest of the tourists, resident Goans and the industry,” Jadhav stated in the letter.
The CII stated that since Goa lacks when it comes to proper public transport, there is a need for a reliable app-based taxi service which offers a convenient, transparent and seamless mode of travel.
Around two years back, when a similar situation arose, the CII had supported the government and now, they have again appealed to Sawant and the ministers to remain firm.
The taxi operators, meanwhile have been on a strike for close to ten days demanding that GoaMiles be scrapped.
The CII has encouraged the taxi operators to agree to meet with the transport minister Mauvin Godinho without any prerequisites. Further, the CII has also said that it is unaccommodating to put forth preconditions for the meeting when the government has already given a viable and clear app-based option.
The CII’s reason for backing GoaMiles is because an app-based taxi service helps stop errant taxi operators from taking excessive advantage of helpless or stranded tourists. The industry body has also requested the government to remain firm about the installation of digital meters for taxis in the state
