The Goa government on Wednesday turned down the demand of tourist taxi operators to scrap the app-based 'Goa Miles' taxi service.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told the House at the end of a two-and-half hour discussion on the issue that the government was ready to support tourist taxi operators if they want to launch their own app.
Churchill Alemao (NCP) had moved the motion for discussion on the issue about the demand of tourist taxi operators to scrap the app-based cab company Goa Miles.
Sawant said after the amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act, passed in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, app-based taxi services would be the future of this mode of transport across all states.
"I appeal all tourist taxi operators to join Goa Miles, and if they are reluctant, they can start their own app, he said.
Claiming that Goa Miles was a completely legal service, Sawant said the company has paid Rs 70 lakh as Goods and Services Tax to the state government.
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"Goa Miles has assured to pay a minimum Rs 18 lakh annually to the state government in the form of GST, the chief minister said.
"App-based taxi is the need of the hour for the safety and security of passengers. Each taxi is monitored by a centrally-located control room, he said.
Opposition Congress members staged a walk out from the House when the government refused to scrap Goa Miles.