Outgoing Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai during an interview on Prudent Media TV’s Head On programme.
In an interview during Head On programme on Prudent MediaTV, the outgoing Governor of Goa, P S Sreedharan Pillai, spoke extensively andopenly on various issues he had to confront during his five-year tenure in theState, and also about the love and affection showered on him by the people ofGoa.
Stating that in democracy people have right to defer, and hefully accept that, the outgoing Governor stated that maximum importance isbeing given to the opposition even though the required numbers are not there.Pointing out to emergency, Pillai admitted that during the emergency period,there was some foul play.
Pillai also mentioned about the allegations surrounding theappointment of the Goa University Vice-Chancellor, and called it as unfortunatepropaganda, “There was no favouritism in VC appointment. In fact Goa Universityhas been left in better shape. From B plus, it has now A plus status which willcontinue,” he stated and clarified that the selection was made strictly fromthe three names recommended under the existing system, and there was nofavouritism involved.
“I followed the proper procedure in selecting the VC. Thenames were not of my choosing but suggested as per norms. Any suggestionotherwise is completely baseless,” he said and expressed pride in the progressmade by the institution under his chancellorship. “I am leaving the Universitywith a significant improvement — from a B++ to an A+ grade,” Pillai noted,referring to the recent NAAC accreditation upgrade.
Pillai who will soon be taking charge as the new Governor ofLieutenant Governor of Pudducherry, pointed out to the time before he took overas Governor of Goa, “In the nomination during 2018-20, just before I reachedGoa as Governor, all the five persons by the VC were appointed from NorthIndian States. The Governor can appoint five persons, VC can appoint five andthe Chief Minister can appoint four or five persons.”
The outgoing Governor who has been recognised as thepeople’s Governor, who has opened the doors of the Raj Bhavan to public,commented that Goa is a good place, with people who are good at heart andgod-fearing. “There have been no disputes among communities, and harmonyprevails in this State that has rich culture, natural beauty and a traditionalway of life. Agriculture is important but there is also need to adopt moderndevices. The environment should be protected, as nature and humans arecomplementary to each other. We must approach a humanistic way and not exploitthe nature,” said Pillai.
Stating that the model of Agriculture in Israel is beingadopted by many countries, as it is being proved, Pillai welcomed noblethoughts from everywhere, and said that all occupations should be respectedequally. “Law has to be accepted by all. No one is above law,” he said.
