The Goa Assembly’s Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting on Tuesday was a damp squib. It is a sad reflection of a growing disconnect between the State government’s priorities and the pressing issues of the people. The Speaker declined to permit special discussions at the forthcoming winter session of the Legislative Assembly on the burning issues of the State — the horrific fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub that claimed 25 lives, the resumption of sealed nightclubs, and the alleged environmental destruction, while allowing a special discussion on Vande Mataram.
The refusal to allow discussions on these critical issues while permitting a discussion on Vande Mataram has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about transparency and a lack of intent to hold accountability.
The ghastly Birch nightclub fire and the series of illegalities of nightclubs that have surfaced subsequently are a stark reminder of the deficiencies in safety protocols and regulatory failures. Questions continue to be raised over systemic collusion involving people in top positions. The opposition’s demand to table a detailed inquiry report followed by a comprehensive debate is justified, given the seriousness of the issue. Along with common citizens, the families of the victims deserve justice, not token discussions that serve political optics.
Four nightclubs out of the six sealed during December began operations during the festive season and hosted mega parties on New Year’s Eve. Senior fire officials have maintained that NOCs were not granted to any of the sealed clubs. This brings forth a key question: How were these clubs allowed to reopen, especially when there were compromises on safety? The government of the day has to hold accountability and come up with clear answers because this is a troubling trend of disregarding regulatory mechanisms.
Goa’s biggest concern currently has been over environmental and ecological destruction. The landscape is undergoing a rapid change with unchecked development and illegal activities. On Tuesday, the TCP Department issued a stop-work order following Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s intervention on a mega construction project at Carambolim, against which local residents had been protesting. The Chimbel landscape is on the boil over the controversial Unity Mall project, with the CM stating that he is ready for a dialogue. The government recently revoked the provisional zone change permission for a large parcel of land in Arambol following angry protests from people across the spectrum.
These are issues that not only define what Goa is about, but also test the mettle of the people. Facing scrutiny and showing transparency is a hallmark of good governance. Ignoring such issues and opting for symbolic discussions on nationalistic songs like Vande Mataram reflect a poor commitment to sustainable development and responsible governance. Public trust is being further eroded.
The opposition’s pledge to unite and hold the government accountable is a positive sign, but with a minuscule minority in the House, and an uncertainty of a united front, as witnessed in the monsoon session, the challenge appears herculean.
The 5-day Assembly session, beginning from January 12, must transcend political theatrics and focus on substantive issues that impact the lives of people. Legislative sessions must be fruitful, and a government, which is at its peak strength in terms of numbers, is expected to engage in meaningful debates rather than resorting to selective discussions. Elected representatives, irrespective of which party they belong to, must prioritise the welfare of their constituents over political convenience.
