PANAJI
Hundreds of Goans came together to support dual nationality at a meeting organized by Goans for Goa at Azad Maidan on Tuesday arguing that the law permits obtaining a Portuguese passport.
Expressing serious concern over the denial of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to those whose Indian passports are revoked, citizens slammed the State government for failing to offer better job opportunities and pay to support their families, which has ultimately led to migration.
“We should not fight for OCI rights because it's our birthright… If this government matched what other countries are providing to citizens, Goans wouldn’t fly to Portugal or other European countries for livelihood. I know of people who didn't have their own house or jobs, but after working abroad, they have built houses in Goa and started businesses for their families,” Lavinia D’Costa, one of the speakers at the public meeting said.
The locals, who attended the meeting in large numbers, also pointed out the minimal salary in Goa as against those working abroad who, even after paying taxes, can save a substantial bank balance. Aggrieved citizens also demanded that if the passports of those who registered their births in Portugal were revoked and OCI denied, those political leaders and government employees in Goa -- in the same category - should also meet the same fate.
“If the general public is made to undergo such hardships, one of the ministers, some ruling representatives in local bodies, and employees in government departments with dual citizenship should also be deprived of all the benefits and their Indian passports revoked,” another speaker demanded.
A woman speaker slammed the government for not providing any relief to applicants who are being given Revocation Certification when in fact; they are voluntarily surrendering their passports. “We were not aware of the law. Government should look into this,” she appealed.
Activist Ana Gracias termed the government “deaf” for not taking the matter forward in favour of several Goans, who fall in this bracket.
“Goans are forced to go to other countries and obtain Portuguese passports because this government cannot give jobs. These people have to take care of their families. The government has made Goans foreigners in their own land. The Chief Minister should do something,” another activist Pratima Coutinho said. She too demanded the removal of a minister in the Pramod Sawant Cabinet who purportedly has dual citizenship.
