Goa govt files police complaint against Uber for ‘illegally operating’ in state

Uber is the target of a police complaint from Goa's Transport Department for allegedly operating illegally in the state.

State Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho stated on Tuesday that the government has not authorised the use of app-based cab aggregators like Uber in Goa. The department started to take action as soon as it was made aware that Uber was purportedly operating.

"We sent an email as soon as we became aware of it, and on Monday an official report was made to the cybercrime police... How can one start and run a business, particularly one as large as this, without receiving official permission?" he asked.

Goa's local taxi unions and private taxi groups have opposed the operation of cab aggregators, making it a divisive topic. Goa Miles is the only well-known app-based taxi service currently available in Goa.

According to Godinho, the state government's position on allowing cab aggregators has not altered from when it first decided against doing so.

If things ever change, I'll be open with everyone. Every cab driver wants to move to Goa, but there isn't currently a proposal in place, according to Godinho.

However, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that app-based cab aggregators were necessary for the state's tourism business to survive and that the administration was not opposed to their arrival into the state during the monsoon session of the state Legislative Assembly last year.

According to Francisco Vaz, assistant director of transportation, who spoke to The Indian Express on Tuesday, the complaint was made against Uber after the business allegedly began operating as a taxi service without obtaining the necessary authorizations from the transportation department. Vaz stated, "We have written to the police to begin proceedings against the corporation.

"A complaint was received in this regard, which led to an investigation, and as a result, a response has been submitted to the Transport Department for necessary action," said Shivendu Bhushan, SP Cyber Crime. As of yet, no case has been reported.

The Manohar International Airport issued a statement on the matter on its Twitter account on Saturday in response to rumours that Uber had started providing services for airport pickups and drop-offs in Goa under its premium reserve category.

We want to be clear that Manohar International Airport has not established any kind of official relationship with Uber in Goa. We would like to recommend that the necessary authorities be contacted for official confirmation even if there have been rumours about the introduction of Uber services in Goa, according to the statement.