Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho’s statement claiming that “Goa Miles pays taxes, Taxis don’t” has sparked controversy and raised eyebrows across the state- simply because it was in bad taste, something which defies logic and insults all Goans.
The Minister’s assertion that Goa Miles, a taxi aggregator, contributes significantly to the government’s revenue while traditional tourist taxis do not, has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters.
Godinho’s defence of GoaMiles and its operations at the Manohar International Airport (MIA) amidst the ongoing dispute with local taxi operators has left many questioning the fairness of his stance.
The Minister’s claim that GoaMiles generates Rs 8.5 crore for the government and significantly benefits the state’s economy has been challenged by Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar, who highlighted the negative impact of GoaMiles on local taxi operators at MIA.
One of the most shocking aspects of Godinho’s statement is his assertion that the government has lost Rs 500 crore in the last five years due to tourist taxi operators’ refusal to adopt app-based platforms. This paints a one-sided picture of the situation and fails to acknowledge the significant tax contributions made by traditional taxi operators.
For instance, traditional taxi operators in Goa contribute to the government’s revenue through various channels. They pay substantial taxes on fuel consumption, everyday operating expenses, insurance, spare parts, and even for their children’s education and healthcare. The taxes incurred on items such as taxi meters, speed governors, GPS renewals, and other operational requirements amount to hundreds of crores, clearly demonstrating their substantial financial contributions to the state.
The Minister’s emphasis on the tax contribution of GoaMiles, while seemingly neglecting the extensive indirect taxes paid by traditional taxi operators, defies logic.
Moreover, his claim that Goans are choosing GoaMiles for their affordability, in contrast to traditional taxis, has further fueled the controversy.
The discussion should not be limited to direct tax contributions alone but should also consider the wider economic impact and contributions made by traditional taxi operators. These operators are self-employed individuals who significantly relieve the government’s burden by creating their own employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy.
It is essential to question whether the Minister’s bias towards GoaMiles is driven solely by the supposed tax contributions of the aggregator or if there are other factors at play. Is the Minister truly considering the holistic impact on the local economy, small business owners, and self-employed individuals, or is this simply a matter of tax revenue numbers?
The ongoing debate between GoaMiles and traditional taxi operators demands a fair and comprehensive examination of the economic contributions and impacts of both parties.
The government’s role should be to ensure the equitable treatment of all stakeholders while fostering healthy competition and innovation in the transportation sector. It is imperative for policymakers to consider the wider implications and contributions of all operators, rather than zeroing in on selective tax figures.
How many more taxes do you want? They are not asking you for employment. They are self-employed hence reducing the burden of government.
Instead of being sympathetic to local drivers, the Transport Minister is taking the side of a corporate.
Is it just an issue of Rs 8.5 cr or there is something more that is meeting the naked eye?
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