Goa Khabar : Chairman of the Media & Communication Department of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, Amarnath Panjikar, strongly criticised the BJP Government over the alarming increase in accidents involving Rent-A-Car and Rent-A-Bike vehicles across Goa.
Amarnath Panjikar stated that several innocent individuals have lost their lives, while many others have sustained serious injuries, due to the Government’s failure to effectively regulate and monitor the vehicle rental business operating throughout the State.
He observed that the existing system has become extremely unsafe, as vehicles are rented merely upon verification of a valid driving licence. However, in many instances, the actual individual driving or riding the vehicle is someone without a licence, without adequate driving skills, and without proper knowledge of traffic regulations. He stated that such negligence has transformed Goa’s roads into hazardous zones.
Amarnath Panjikar further alleged that despite repeated accidents and increasing public concern, the Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and officials of the Transport Department have remained indifferent and inactive. “Their priority does not appear to be public safety or the prevention of road accidents. Instead, their actions suggest protection of vested interests with Mission Total Commission ,” he remarked.
He further stated that the BJP Government has failed to establish stringent verification systems, digital tracking mechanisms, and accountability standards for rental vehicle operators. As a result of this irresponsible approach, tourists, local residents, and pedestrians continue to face significant risks on the roads.
Amarnath Panjikar questioned whether the BJP Government would accept responsibility for the loss of innocent lives resulting from what he described as serious administrative shortcomings.
He demanded immediate corrective measures, including:
Mandatory biometric and digital verification of every individual using rented vehicles.
Strict enforcement to ensure that only duly licensed persons drive or ride rented vehicles.
GPS monitoring and stronger accountability mechanisms for rental agencies.
Surprise inspections and stringent penalties for violators.
An immediate safety audit of all Rent-A-Car and Rent-A-Bike operators functioning in Goa.
“Goa cannot be allowed to become a space of lawlessness where human lives are endangered due to Government negligence and administrative failure,” Amarnath Panjikar asserted.
