PORVORIM
Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte on Saturday said the State government should not lift the curfew nor grant relaxations in the curfew till the objective of 100% vaccination is achieved in the State.
Addressing a news conference in Porovirm, Khaunte also blamed the Covid mismanagement by the State government, which had led to 2,744 deaths as on Saturday.
“Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has stated that the government will strive to achieve 100% vaccination by July 30, but has not specified how he will achieve this objective.”
“In the first place, the State government has not taken MLAs, panchayat members or councillors into confidence regarding this vaccination programme.”
“Results cannot be achieved by sitting in AC cabins and making statements. To achieve the target, the machinery has to come on the road and work hard.”
“According to the information I received so far, 3,45,011 beneficiaries have received the first dose of the vaccine while only 96,677 beneficiaries have received the second dose. In the 18-44 age group, only 7,611 beneficiaries have received the vaccine.”
“Under the circumstances, how can the chief minister state that 100% vaccination will be achieved by July 30,” asked Khaunte.
The Porvorim MLA said if the State government takes MLAs, panch members and councillors into confidence and if he is given a free hand and enough supply of vaccines, he would ensure that all beneficiaries in the Porvorim constituency are vaccinated by July 30.
“A reduction in positivity rate does not mean that Covid will vanish. The positivity rate is reduced because of curfew and restrictions on business and movement of the people.”
“If the curfew is lifted and Goa’s borders are opened for tourists, Covid cases are bound to increase again. Hence, it is prudent to continue restrictions till 100% vaccination is achieved in the State,” said Khaunte.
