MAPUSA
The North Goa candidate representing the INDIA bloc, Ramakant Khalap highlighted pressing issues facing certain communities in Goa, particularly the lack of proper burial places.
Khalap, who previously served as Chairman of the Law Commission of Goa, underscored his past efforts in proposing the establishment of public crematoria during his tenure.
He emphasised the need for such facilities to be managed by committees appointed under local administrative bodies, drawing inspiration from similar setups in advanced nations like the United States.
“Some communities don’t have their own burial places. I had proposed that public crematoria and burial places should be created that will be managed by committees appointed under the Mamlatdar in the talukas, collectors in the districts and the chief secretary at the state level, on the lines of similar cemeteries and burial places in the world,” Khalap said, while addressing a corner meeting at Ucassaim.
Additionally, Khalap spoke about his advocacy for the inclusion of the Mundkar and Tenancy Act in the 9th Schedule of the Constitution, ensuring its protection from legal challenges.
He recounted his collaboration with former Prime Minister Morarji Desai to safeguard these laws, reflecting his commitment to representing the interests of farmers and tenants.
Critiquing the performance of the incumbent MP Shripad Naik, Khalap noted the lack of tangible development in adopted villages, such as Ibrampur, despite promises made.
Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira, coordinating for the North Goa Lok Sabha seat, echoed Khalap's sentiments, emphasising the absence of a report card for Naik's tenure and urging voters to support Khalap for effective representation.
Ferreira cautioned against potential changes to the Constitution by the BJP government, urging voters to remain united and not allow the division of votes. He expressed concerns over the erosion of democratic values and warned against the possibility of authoritarian rule, emphasising the importance of safeguarding democracy and preventing any rewriting of the Constitution.
Khalap decries govt inaction on e-initiatives
The united opposition candidate for North Goa Lok Sabha, Ramakant Khalap expressed disappointment over the government's failure to implement various e-initiatives he had advocated for.
Khalap recounted efforts to introduce e-education, e-governance, and e-enabled services, as well as plans for IT habitat development.
Despite recommendations from a committee led by Dr Raghunath Mashelkar and renowned figures like Azim Premji and Narayan Murthy, Khalap stated that these proposals were not pursued by the government.
He lamented the missed opportunities for job creation and skill development, emphasising the unrealised potential of initiatives like special training camps for computer literacy and the establishment of an Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT).
