Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant today said that instructions have been issued to the River Navigation Department to withdraw notification on hike in ferry fare.
“I have given directions to River Navigation Department to withdraw notification on hike in ferry fare. There will be no hike in fare and two wheelers will continue to ply on ferry for free,” said Sawant.
Sawant said that the decision has been taken to withdraw the notification at the earliest and accordingly the directions have been issued to the River Navigation department to initiate the process.
“We have decided to withdraw the notification. The department is asked to issue appropriate orders in this regard,” Sawant said.
The November 3 notification to charge two-wheeler riders as well as increased fare for four-wheelers witnessed massive criticism from ruling as well as Opposition MLAs. The opposition parties on Sunday even held protest demanding withdrawal of the notification.
Meanwhile, the Minister for River Navigation Subhash Faldesai justified his department’s decision stating that the proposal was aimed to increase the revenue.
“The Chief Minister had sought clarification from me to which I had explained to him that it is in the interest of the State and to improve the ferry service. I told CM if he thinks that the decision is not in the interest of the people, he can withdraw it,” he said.
