PANAJI
"Government had earlier employed lifeguards. The issue about their improper functioning was raised in the House. Finally, government took a decision to outsource this job. There are some
services which the government cannot manage, so we've outsourced these," he said.
He was responding to Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco who was of the opinion that government should provide lifeguard services at beaches across the State, instead of outsourcing the job to a private agency by spending
huge sums of money.
As per the written reply, the State Government has instituted lifeguarding and water safety services in the State since 2008.
The present contract is awarded to M/s Drishti Lifesaving Pvt Ltd initially for a period of five years from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2019. Under this contract, 43 beaches across the State and two inland water bodies -- Dudhsagar Waterfall and Mayem Lake -- are patrolled by professionally trained lifeguards.
Additionally, fully equipped lifeguard towers and stations have been erected on the beaches to discharge the lifeguarding services smoothly and provide first-aid treatment during emergencies.
Lauding the efforts of Drishti, Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar informed that Drishti lifeguards have saved lives of 3,033 people in the last five years.
"As per the figures given by the contractor, 603 lifeguards and 120 night patrolling personnel have been deployed. In all, 83 per cent Goans are employed," he said.
Currently, the State government has spent Rs 63.88 crore on salaries, maintenance, administration and overheads; Rs 17.75 crore on equipment and infrastructure; Rs 4.63 crore on fuel, Rs 2.56 crore on additional amount of salaries due to increase in minimum
wages and Rs 58.81 lakh on additional contribution payable by employer towards provident fund due to increase in EPF ceiling by Central Government.
As per the written reply, the State Government has instituted lifeguarding and water safety services in the State since 2008.
The present contract is awarded to M/s Drishti Lifesaving Pvt Ltd initially for a period of five years from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2019. Under this contract, 43 beaches across the State and two inland water bodies -- Dudhsagar Waterfall and Mayem Lake -- are patrolled by professionally trained lifeguards.
Additionally, fully equipped lifeguard towers and stations have been erected on the beaches to discharge the lifeguarding services smoothly and provide first-aid treatment during emergencies.
Lauding the efforts of Drishti, Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar informed that Drishti lifeguards have saved lives of 3,033 people in the last five years.
"As per the figures given by the contractor, 603 lifeguards and 120 night patrolling personnel have been deployed. In all, 83 per cent Goans are employed," he said.
Currently, the State government has spent Rs 63.88 crore on salaries, maintenance, administration and overheads; Rs 17.75 crore on equipment and infrastructure; Rs 4.63 crore on fuel, Rs 2.56 crore on additional amount of salaries due to increase in minimum
wages and Rs 58.81 lakh on additional contribution payable by employer towards provident fund due to increase in EPF ceiling by Central Government.
