the goan I network
MARGAO
Blaming the BJP governments at the Centre, Karnataka and in Goa for betraying Goans over the Mhadei issue, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha on Wednesday demanded that the Goa government lay the contents of the affidavit filed by the government in the appeal submitted in the Supreme Court on the contentious issue.
Addressing the media in the presence of South district president Joe Dias, Sardinha demanded transparency from the government on the Mhadei issue, saying it is surprising that the Chief Minister of the State, Pramod Sawant has feigned ignorance on the Centre’s Environmental Clearance for Karnataka for the drinking water project.
“How can the Chief Minister plead ignorance. We want the government to be transparent. With the BJP ruling at the Centre and in the states of Goa and Karnataka, it is now imperative that the government keep in public domain the contents of the appeal filed before the Supreme Court on the issue to ensure transparency,” he said, while reminding the government that Mhadei is the lifeline of Goa and any attempt made to compromise will seriously impact Goa’s interests.
Referring to the Vibrant Goa hosted by the government, the MP demanded that the government initiate concrete steps to get in new industries and also ensure that existing industries do not shut shop resulting in unemployment in the State. “It is indeed a matter of concern that one of Goa’s oldest industry is facing problems and is on the verge of closure. The government should remember that Zuari employs substantial number of Goans,” he said.
Warning the government not to play with the sentiments of Goa’s educated unemployed, he demanded that the government immediately fill up the vacant posts in the departments without delay.
On Goa’s economy, Sardinha demanded that the government seek central funds to tide over the
financial situation to set up new industries and provide employment to the local youth.
Meanwhile, expressing concern over the damage caused to paddy crop by the recent cyclonic rains, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha on Wednesday demanded that the government compensate the beleaguered farmers hit by the destruction of crops.
Last time round, the government had announced compensation to farmers in some constituencies represented by the ruling party. “I want to request the government not to discriminate against the opposition ruled constituencies and distribute the compensation to all the farmers affected,” he added.
