MARGAO
Transport Minister MGodinho on Monday unveiled his concept of promoting young transport entrepreneurs, wherein the youth, including women, can own their taxis with drivers, and earn a living.
He further said that people cannot say no to change, stating that people will come in droves either as tourists or to settle in the State when Goa is attractive. Instead of saying no to change, the people have to brace up to live up to the visitors that the locals are more worthy by partaking in the activities.
Addressing members of the Goa Mahila Shakti Abhiyan at the Ravindra Bhavan Margao after inaugurating a free legal aid cell-cum-induction ceremony, Godinho, who also holds the Panchayat and Industries Portfolio, urged the women to develop their skills and take up positions in their field of interest.
Referring to the controversies surrounding the Taxi business, Godinho announced plans to soon launch a concept to promote Young Transport Entrepreneurs, wherein the youth, including women, can own their own taxis with drivers, to earn income.
“I have discussed the concept with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and it will be launched very soon. Women can also become entrepreneurs along with others. The concept will simplify the taxi and transport business and will resolve unemployment,” he said.
Saying that Goa is supposed to be among the most progressive states in the country, Godinho said the time has come to introspect on where women of the state find themselves in the situation. “What we see today is that Goa has changed. We should not have the mindset that Goa cannot change. We hear voices saying amkan naka, amkan naka. We cannot say no to change,” he added.
He said women like any other citizen should go for the homestay concept introduced by the government.
“Locals feel that tourists come in five-star hotels and they have no avenue for income. What the people need for homestays is a good and clean bedroom and bathroom and good breakfast a la London and other metro cities. This is how we should promote tourism and make the people independent,” he added.
Saying it has now become a habit and a trend to oppose anything and everything, Godinho questioned how the economic activity will take place and create jobs and gainful employment when slogans such as "naka, naka" rent the air in the State.
