Speaker moots creation of third district
Panaji: Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar has called for the creation of a third district in the State, specifically targeting the tribal belt. Tawadkar suggested that the new district could include areas such as Canacona, Quepem, Sanguem, and Dharbandora.
He emphasized that this move would aid the development of these regions, which are home to significant tribal populations. Tawadkar proposed making Quepem the central point for this new district, highlighting the potential benefits for local governance and infrastructure development.
Disaster management praised for efforts in Sanguem
Panaji: Minister for Social Welfare Subhash Phal Desai praised the disaster management team for their effective work in the Sanguem area. He mentioned that he has been personally visiting villages like Sulcorna, Zambaulim, and Rivona to assess the situation.
Phal Desai noted that heavy rains had caused many electricity poles to uproot on Tuesday, but the disaster management team’s prompt response helped mitigate the impact. He commended their efforts in handling the situation.
Babush urges journalists to investigate 24-hour mutation claims
Panaji: Revenue Minister Babush Monserrate encouraged journalists to engage in investigative journalism, especially concerning the issuance of mutation certificates within 24 hours. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized the importance of uncovering how many Goans have received these certificates in such a short timeframe, stating, “We are here for the public. Find out how many Goans have been given mutation certificates within 24 hours. It’s important for you to do investigative journalism, not just go around with a camera and ask questions.”
Godinho files complaint, seeks privilege committee review
Panaji: Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho has filed a complaint requesting that an issue be referred to the privilege committee. The complaint is currently against an unidentified person, and the police have been notified about the incident, said Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar.
The minister stated that the police investigation will need to identify the individual involved before the matter can be moved to the privilege committee for further review. Godinho also mentioned that he has not heard the audio related to the incident, and the police are responsible for identifying the person in question.
Curchorem MLA bats for social work in politics
Panaji: Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral emphasized the role of social work in his political career. Speaking about the challenges of public service, Cabral noted that individuals cannot rely on the government for everything. He highlighted his efforts to bring a garbage plant to his constituency, despite opposition, as an example of taking initiative for community improvement.
Cabral credited his involvement in social work for his rise to the position of MLA. He stressed that holding a political office can enhance the impact of social work, allowing him to address issues and make positive changes more effectively.
Fatorda MLA highlights threat to khazan lands
Panaji: Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has expressed concern over the deterioration of Goa’s unique Khazan land system. Sardesai noted that out of 18,000 Khazan lands, 4,000 have already been destroyed. He emphasized the importance of these lands and mentioned that a policy was initiated to preserve and revive them during his tenure as minister. However, he lamented that the policy was abandoned after he left office.
Sardessai acknowledged the recent government announcement of a policy for Khazan lands but expressed skepticism, pointing out that many such announcements have been made in the past without follow-through.
St Cruz and St Andre MLAs clash over landfilling allegations
PANAJI: St Cruz MLA Rodolfo Fernandes has accused St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar of targeting him to settle personal scores. Fernandes clarified that his property is not located in a low-lying area and does not require landfilling. He suggested that significant landfilling has been done in low-lying areas within Borkar’s constituency, but he believes Borkar is unfairly focusing on him.
In response, MLA Viresh Borkar stated that the issue he raised was about illegal landfilling in the Curca area, which has impacted nearby homes. Borkar noted that his intention was not to single out Fernandes but to address the broader problem of landfilling in the region.
