PORVORIM
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday addressed concerns raised by several legislators about the supposed replacement of Self Help Groups (SHGs) -- currently serving mid-day meals to schools -- stating that their services will continue.
During his response to discussion on the State Budget 2023-24, CM clarified that the government has not asked the SHGs to stop the supply, but they will be substituted if the SHGs themselves decide to discontinue their services or fail to fulfill their obligations under the scheme.
Fatorda legislator Vijai Sardesai intervened to point out the Education Department’s Expression of Interest (EOI) inviting bids from NGOs and CSOs, which seemed to suggest that the government was indeed seeking an alternative to the current scheme.
CM promptly reminded the House of a past incident where around 5,000 students suffered for over two months due to the sudden halt of meal supplies by the SHGs. “What are we supposed to do in such situations,” he asked as no legislator countered his statement.
The legislators, during the discussion over the past two days, expressed their concerns after the EOI issued in June saw participation from five NGOs, out of which two are shortlisted. Among these two, Bengaluru-based Akshaya Patra is said to be the front runner.
The Education Department has maintained to go ahead with the tender process, and stated that selected NGO will be responsible for implementing the scheme concurrently. In view of recurring threats from the SHGs to halt supplies, the department has also introduced a new clause in their annual contract for the SHGs wherein if the latter decide to stop or threaten to stop the supply of meals, they will be promptly replaced.
GREEN CESS: Sawant told the House that the government will soon impose green cess on non-Goan vehicles entering the State. He had proposed the green cess in his budget speech in March this year.
The amount collected is to be used to support the upkeep, cleanliness, sanitation, medical support, changing rooms, electric charging stations, energy conservation measures and remedial measures to minimise pollution in the State.
He also informed that the Mhaji bus scheme will commence on pilot basis from this month. Kadamba will take private buses on hire is select routes under the scheme.
