In these pandemic times, when local businesses are hit hard, Govt begins cancelling permits for non-fitment of Digital meters.
Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho’s announcement of free digital meter fitment remains only on paper.
SURAJ NANDREKAR/ Goemakrponn
PANAJI: Even as the transport Minister Mauvin Godinho assured waiving off the 50 p.c of digital meter fitting charges, the Transport Department has gone ahead and started cancelling taxi permits for the vehicles which have not fitted the meters.
The Order issued by the Director of Transport Rajan Satardekar says that
as per Rule 140 of Goa Motor Vehicle Rules, 1991, the fitment of Digital Fare Meter with Printer, Automotive Tracking Device and Emergency System is mandatory on motor cabs.
It says in the Order of Honorable High Court of Bombay at Goa dated 05/07/2019 directions are given to conclude the fitment of Digital Fare Meter within six months from 01/08/2019 and again in Order dated 06/05/2021 in Contempt Petition No.8 of 2021 in respect of Writ Petition No. 1175 of 2016 directions are given to commence the process of installation of digital meters in taxis as early as possible and in any case within a period of 15 days from today i.e. 16/05/2021.
The department order says that vide Public Notice dated 18/05 2021, Schedule for fitment of Digital Fare Meter with Automotive Tracking Device and Emergency System based on last digit(Series) of vehicle Registration Number was issued. The said Public Notice was also published on 19/05/2021 in local newspapers.
“The aforementioned Public notice dated 18/05/2021 has clearly indicated that in the event of failure to adhere to period to fit the specified type of digital fare meters, the Permit of the defaulting vehicle shall automatically stand cancelled without further notice,” it says.
Whereas, as per the aforementioned Public notice dated 18/05/2021 the last date for fitment of Digital Fare Meter with Automotive Tracking Device and Emergency System for existing Motor Cabs with Registration Number ending with last digit 0 or 1 was 24/07/2021 and as per the said notice, it was mentioned that Permit shall stand cancelled if meters are not fitted by 25/07/2021.
The Order says adequate opportunity, intimation and time have been given to comply with law and High Court directions to fix the digital fare meter.
“Whereas it is observed that your vehicle has a Registration number ending with digit 0. You have failed to fit the Digital Fare Meter with Printer within the deadline as per the scheduled date of the fitment deadline,” the Order to a vehicle owner says.
It further says the State Transport Authority has in view of above and in light of directions of the Hon’ble High Court decided to cancel the Tourist Vehicle Permit/All Goa Tourist Vehicle No………… Permit issued to your vehicle bearing Registration.
“Now therefore, I, Shree Rajan Satardekar, Director of Transport & Member Secretary, State Transport Authority, Panjim Goa, in exercise of powers vested in me under Section 86(1)(b) of The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and rules made thereunder, hereby pass the Order that the TouristVehicle Permit/All Goa Tourist Vehicle Permit No.STA/AGTTP/201900015 of the vehicle bearing Registration No…….. stands cancelled immediately. The registered owner is further directed to surrender the Permit in the O/o State Transport Authority, Directorate Transport, Junta House Panjim Goa within 15 days from the date of receipt of this Order,” the Order states.
Where will the money come from in a pandemic…
The taxi operators have been sitting home since March 2020, when the pandemic hit the State and have no money to pay their instalments and insurance.
“We have not earned a single penny in the last 18 months. How does the government expect us to pay Rs 6000 odd for each vehicle? Where will we get money from? Asked the taxi owner.
Transport Minister just makes announcements, but where is teh free digital meter? they ask.
“If they want, they are ready to move the file to waive off casino fees of Rs 277 cr. Why not for taxis,” they ask?