OLD GOA
They were deprived of their livelihood when they were displaced after the demolition drive that took place outside the GMC in the early morning hours of July 1.
Since then, they are making the rounds of the politicians to ensure that they get back their livelihood, by way of rehabilitation, so that they can take care of their families.
However, it’s been more than three months now and they have started to feel the pinch, so much so that some say that if things continue for longer they will be forced to beg on the streets.
One of the affected persons, Altaf, said, “I was eking out a living from whatever I earned from the kiosk. I have a wife and three children to support. Now, I don’t know how to look after my family.”
“I have no other option. I am forced to work on a daily basis now but it can’t go on forever. I struggle to even pay water and electricity bills. If things continue this way, we will be forced to beg,” he added.
Shakuntala Chodankar informed that they are forced to survive on borrowed money.
“We are not earning since the past four months, which has forced us to survive on borrowed money. But how much are we supposed to borrow?” Chodankar questioned and requested the CM to help them in this hour of despair.
A widow, Leena Shirodkar, said they are not outsiders but Goans and demanded that the government should come to their rescue.
“I have to feed my family and also look after the education of my children. How am I supposed to do that with no help from anybody? Without a husband, it is becoming difficult for me to make both ends meet. The government should come to our aide,” she demanded.
