Latest news with #MauvinGodinho
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
In Goa, a cab conundrum: Taxi operators raise the heat, govt urges them to join state-backed apps
The Goa tourism department has urged local taxi operators to 'integrate' with state-backed digital taxi platforms — Goa Taxi App and GoaMiles — to align with the government's broader vision to promote 'smart mobility, economic inclusion and a tourist-friendly environment through regulated and transparent services'. The appeal comes in the wake of the government recently publishing draft guidelines to regulate app-based transport aggregators. Taxi unions have threatened to stage protests, saying the move would pave the way for the entry of private app-based taxi aggregators that could threaten their livelihood. On Monday, taxi operators queued outside the transport department office in Panaji and submitted their written objections to the draft guidelines. In their objections, the taxi drivers demanded clarity on the structure of fares, stating that the entry of app-based taxi aggregators would 'monopolise' the transport sector and drive out local taxi operators. Some drivers demanded that the cab aggregators be restricted to providing basic pick-up and drop services and not be allowed to facilitate bookings for local sightseeing tours, event transportation, cruise bookings or other pre-arranged sightseeing activities. 'These segments are the backbone of our local tourism economy and directly support small businesses, guides and operators,' the taxi operators stated in a memorandum. Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Monday said the guidelines were only at the draft stage. 'We have given one month's time to take everyone's opinion. We will take them (taxi operators) into confidence. If tomorrow, they say we want to come together under their own aggregator, I will not hesitate to even finance them. Let them operate it themselves. They are talking as if we are forcing something on them or are opposed to them. Ultimately, they are the biggest stakeholders. We will consult with them. They will have to fall in line. This is about streamlining the long-overdue taxi service system,' said Godinho. In a statement on Tuesday, the tourism department said that as the state redefines its tourism identity through innovation and sustainability, regulated taxi services will play a key role in shaping positive travel experiences. 'The department of tourism reiterates its commitment to building a modern, inclusive tourism ecosystem where technology benefits all, from local drivers to global visitors,' it said. Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, said, 'We urge all Goan taxi brothers to come on board and make use of this free, government-supported platform (Goa Taxi App) that is designed especially to benefit them. It is not only about convenience for tourists, but about creating more sustainable livelihood opportunities for our local communities.' The department said that GoaMiles, operated under the supervision of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), continues to be a trusted app-based aggregator. 'These platforms ensure fair compensation aligned with government-notified rates and promote service quality through digital ratings and real-time monitoring,' the statement said. Meanwhile, a group of taxi operators met Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo on Tuesday to reiterate their demand to oppose the entry of app-based cab aggregators. During a heated discussion with the taxi operators, Michael Lobo assured them of his support and said aggregators from outside the state would not be allowed. However, he also said that 'everything should be online, including the market rate for taxis'.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Time of India
‘Safety First' initiative focuses on kids, women on public transport
Panaji: Transport minister Mauvin Godinho launched the 'Safety First – Empowering and Protecting Women and Children in Goa' initiative at the Kadamba Bus Stand in Panaji on Wednesday. The initiative aims to raise awareness about public transport safety through the strategic placement of awareness posters and helpline stickers inside Kadamba buses, private buses, taxis, and rickshaws. The stickers prominently display contact information for essential helplines, including those for childline, women's safety, Goa Police, and other emergency services. 'Whether it is a bus, taxi, or rickshaw, women commuters should feel safe. Their safety is our priority. To ensure this, the helpline can be used to file a complaint if needed," Godinho said. 'There is a rise in untoward incidents, especially in public transport. The police cannot monitor every location or act unless there is a complaint. The helpline is there to ensure that women are aware that help is available and such incidents will be reduced. Our goal is to eliminate these issues," he added. The campaign is organised by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) in collaboration with Goa Police and SCAN – Goa. The initiative, with a two-phase approach, first saw the installation of hoardings on electrical poles in Panaji. The second phase, currently under way, involves placing helpline stickers at bus stands across Goa. 'On average, we receive 30 cases a month. People often don't know that the police helpline number is now 112, not 100,' said a SCAN Goa representative. 'Through this campaign, we are working in prevention mode so that individuals can feel safe when using public transport.'
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Few takers for incentives, industries dept to revamp SOPs
Panaji: The move to financially support MSMEs, hospitals, and educational institutions in pursuing certification and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) has failed to yield results, with just one applicant coming forward over the past five years since 2019-20. The scheme, which is part of the umbrella scheme for industries, has also seen annual budgetary allocations plummet. Cumbersome documentation processes, restriction of the scheme to MSMEs that commenced operations after 2017, and a lack of interest in IPR and green investments are some of the reasons why the industries department has decided to revamp the umbrella scheme entirely, said officials. Industries minister Mauvin Godinho chaired a review meeting a few days ago to refine the draft proposal of the revamped umbrella scheme. Operation Sindoor PM Modi meets NSA, chiefs of armed forces amid spike in tensions with Pak India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan Several airports in India to be closed till May 15 - check list The meeting focused on aligning the scheme's objectives with 'current policy priorities' and ensuring effective implementation of strategies, including simplifying the application process. A department official said that the directorate of industries, trade, and commerce has prepared a draft policy that offers a comprehensive revamp to streamline the applicability of the incentives. From 2019-20 to 2024-25, five MSMEs took benefit of the loan interest subsidy scheme, with govt disbursing a total of Rs 27.1 lakh. To put this in perspective, the annual limit for this incentive was restricted to Rs 25 lakh. Incentives for training costs, green infrastructure, and local purchases did not receive any applications in five years. 'These incentives are only for MSMEs which came in after 2017, and this number is negligible. Many of the small and micro units do not have the staff to dedicate for compliances, certifications, and frequent visits to Panaji only for small incentives,' said an official. Industry stakeholders said that rather than limiting the schemes to only MSMEs that were set up after 2017, govt needs to support all industrial units to expand operations irrespective of when they were set up.
