PANAJI: Minister for Law, Judiciary and Legislative Affairs Francis D'Souza stressed the need for public opinion while framing laws so that they are not challenged.
Addressing the gathering, D'Souza said, "Our work is to make good laws which are acceptable to everyone. But while framing new laws, many a time we do it in a hurry and hence we miss out on public opinion. Once laws are framed, people start giving in their opinions and then we are compelled to amend the laws. Some of the examples of such cases are Tree Act and Tenancy Act, among others. We had to amend them. If we had to do it after taking opinions from all stakeholders, this would not have happened."
"Good suggestions can come from anyone. So we should be open to public suggestions. If we frame laws in this manner, they will not be challenged. Once they have public acceptance, changes do not happen. We have to make it a habit to take laws before the people before they are passed," he said.
He was speaking at the Legislators' Day function held at Goa Legislative Assembly, Porvorim which was attended by ministers, MLAs, former ministers and MLAs and MPs, among others. On this occasion, two senior former MLAs - Teotonio Pereira and Atchut Usgaonkar - were felicitated on the occasion.
Stating that there is an utmost need to address various issues concerning state like child rights, prostitutions, accidents and drugs, D'Souza said, "These have remained neglected, may be because there is no awareness and pressure from people."
Stressing that everyone has to be unanimous if Goa has to be taken forward, he said, "What has to be done in the interest of the State, has to be done. There is no Opposition or Ruling there. Everyone has to come forward in the interest of Goemkarponn. We have to be unanimous on majority of the issues which are in State's interest."
The Legislators Forum has also decided to honour the best performing legislator from next year onwards.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Speaker Michel Lobo lamented that the quality of debates in the Assembly has deteriorated.
"The quality of debates in the Assembly has deteriorated and there are no serious debates on any subjects taking place. There is a need for change in this. As a legislator, it is our right to express our views and opinion on everything without fear. In the last six years I have not seen this except one or two MLAs who voiced their opinions. Manohar Parrikar could become the chief minister only because he was a good Opposition leader from 2007-2012. Not only Opposition, but even the ruling MLAs have to participate in an effective debate," he stated.
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LEGISLATORS' DAY
AT THE ASSEMBLY
* Attended by ministers, MLAs, former ministers and MLAs and MPs, among others
* Two senior former MLAs - Teotonio Pereira and Atchut Usgaonkar felicitated
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ON GOEMKARPONN
Said the Minister for Law, Judiciary and Legislative Affairs ...
* What has to be done in the interest of the State, has to be done
* There is no opposition or ruling. Everyone has to come forward in the interest of Goemkarponn
* We have to be unanimous on majority of the issues which are in State's interest
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