Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 13: The Goa government is set to roll out a digital platform to unify taxi operators under a single system, ensuring transparent point-to-point fares and better services for tourists and residents, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho said on Thursday.
Speaking in the Goa Legislative Assembly during the demands-for-grants discussion, Godinho urged legislators to work with taxi operators to reach a consensus before the platform is implemented.

He also announced that compensation for road accident victims has been doubled from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, with Rs 1.72 crore disbursed to 75 beneficiaries so far. Assistant Directors of Transport have been instructed to process claims after the mourning period.

On panchayats, Godinho said the government is moving to extend Seventh Pay Commission benefits to local staff and has appointed engineers to improve online services. So far, 65 panchayats offer digital citizen services, and waste management initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission have been strengthened, with 109 panchayats having material recovery facility systems.

On industries, Godinho highlighted improved infrastructure and incentives attracting investments, with industrial land sales on the rise.

The Assembly session saw tense exchanges with Opposition MLAs, with Godinho hinting at political interference in panchayat administration.