Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: A strong pitch for technology-driven governance and public safety, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on Friday cited the recent Pernem taxi assault case to stress the urgent need for implementing app-based taxi systems in Goa.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new Directorate of Prosecution office in Panaji, Sawant said the attack on a taxi driver and subsequent vehicle theft could have been prevented—or the accused easily traced—if a digital booking and tracking platform had been in place.
“Had there been a proper digital system such as a taxi booking app, it would have been much easier for the police to identify and nab the culprit,” Sawant said, referring to Thursday’s incident where an unidentified person booked a taxi in Pernem, assaulted the driver, and fled with the vehicle.
Calling the incident a wake-up call, the Chief Minister urged the tourism and transport sectors to embrace technology and shift toward digital innovation.
“Technology adoption is a must in every sector, especially in tourism. Digitalisation is the only solution to ensure public safety, transparency, and accountability,” he emphasised.
Sawant’s remarks come at a time when Goa’s tourism-dependent economy is pushing for modernisation amid growing concerns over safety, service quality, and regulatory oversight in the transport sector.
The Chief Minister also announced that the government has begun relocating its offices operating out of decades-old premises and has initiated the renovation of taluka-level courts across the state.
“The state is committed to modern infrastructure, digital governance, and improved service delivery across departments,” he said.
The inauguration at the BSNL building in Patto, Panaji, was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, and Advocate General Devidas Pangam, who joined the CM in highlighting the government’s push for legal and administrative efficiency.
The Pernem incident has reignited the long-standing debate on bringing Goa’s taxi services under a regulated app-based system.
With the CM’s direct endorsement, it could now gain fresh momentum.
