The New Year 2018 is finally here and while we wake up to a list of New Year resolutions, it's also time to reflect on how far the old ones have been accomplished. In line with Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao's recent message at the civic reception, it's time to ruminate over how truthful and trustworthy our political class has been, and to what an extent the avowed objective of Goenkarponn is achieved. It's time to ponder on areas where governance fell short of expectations while we look ahead to the year 2018.
At the outset, Goenkarponn, which was government's single word ‘motto' on paper as envisaged in the Common Minimum Programme, was hardly on display in its actions and the common man felt let down on the very premise on which Goenkarponn was based on.
The development story which the government is rapidly scripting has very little space for Goenkarponn, and the Goemkar who is hoping against hopes, continues to be relegated to oblivion. Goans cannot be primary beneficiaries to this template where an influx of migrants has been by far a dominant factor. Job creation is not going to cheer the Goan for now for two reasons: one, that ordinary jobs will not get them the money to cope up with the high standard of living in Goa, and two, when there are places like the United Kingdom, the Middle East, the Emirates and several others calling with lucrative high-paying jobs on offer, there's virtually no looking back. Goa has reached a stage where number of high-paying jobs will be of primary concern than the number of ordinary vacancies created.
Secondly, while there is development happening, the basic amenities which the Goemkar has been fighting for, still remain elusive. Erratic water supply, frequent power shutdowns, garbage and a host of other issues continue to haunt on a day-to-day basis. Land prices are beyond the reach of the common Goan, even as huge chunks of properties are either been bought by real estate developers or ‘outsiders'. Government's recent initiatives to curb illegal conversion of land are appreciated, but again, there is nothing substantial for the Goan.
Fish-cury-rice, which has been the major ingredient of Goenkarponn, has been virtually wiped off the common man's platter. With fish being diverted to big hotels and also exported for big bucks, the Goan is struggling to cope up with the rising prices. While government has taken small steps and promised to review subsidies, besides taxing exports, there has been no major relief so far and the big fish continues to be out of bounds for locals.
Next on the list is tourism. Goa is seen as a tourist destination more for wrong reasons and drugs, night parties, flesh trade, free flow of booze and casinos play a major part. Goemkar is relegated to a ‘trance' while the State plays host to tourists of all hues. More than the beaches and the other selling points, a drastic makeover is required on this front if Goa is to win back its tag of ‘Rome of the East'.
There is a obvious power struggle going on within the ruling coalition, where disputes are over having a greater share of the pie rather than delivery. There are smaller battles for controls fought within. Satisfying political compulsions have taken precedence over governance and additional PDAs being carved out in the name of development. The essence of Goenkarponn, which the government has been swearing on, is hardly visible in any of its programmes and people continue to see a betrayal of Goenkarponn, with some labeling it ‘Fotingponn'. Those who have been consistently beating their chests on Goenkarponn have failed to convince the local populace on major issues like river nationalisation, coal expansion and Mhadei water sharing. The government must see the writing on the wall and come up with drastic measures and build bridges of trust with the common man. For this to happen, remaining truthful to the masses will be a key ingredient. Hope the year 2018 is not just a numerical change.
