Summary:
PANAJI: Tourist taxi operators have been losing out on the insurance scheme launched by the transport department as the subsidy clause makes it mandatory for them to install digital meters to avail of the benefit.Operators have been adamant all this while to not install the meters until their demands to have a crackdown on private taxi operators and fare revision are met.“Operators can avail a cover of Rs 10,000 under the Goa State Public Transport (Taxi Owners) Insurance Contribution Scheme, 2017. We may apply for the same soon,” said Ravindra Vengurlekar, vice president, north Goa tourist taxi owners’ association.“We expect that the government will fulfil some of our demands before the meters are installed,” he said, adding, that there should be a check on private cars and agents.“Government should appoint digital meter dealers so that members need not worry about its authenticity,” he said.The scheme provides for reimbursement of yearly insurance premium paid in respect of taxis (up to 2 vehicles per owner) to the extent of 50% of the amount paid by them or Rs 10,000 whichever is less for the first vehicle and 25% of the amount paid or Rs 5,000 whichever is less, for the second vehicle..