BOX
THE MAN OF THE SCHEME
* Alexander Fernandes from Colva approaches the Goa government and wants to contribute money for a small hospital project in Colva
* The State Government thinks of having a scheme for entire Goa and starts work on the same
* The State government discovers that there exists a similar scheme in the State of Punjab
* The scheme designed by the State Government is on similar lines with the ‘Mera Pind’ scheme in Punjab
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A single request from a Kuwait-based non-resident Indian (NRI) has compelled the Government of Goa to formulate the scheme ‘Mhozo Gaum, Majem Goem’ for expatriates to voluntarily donate or contribute towards development of the State.
The formulation of the scheme has taken over three years after the work on it began on July 31, 2012 following NRI Alexander Menino Fernandes, the President of Colva United Centre, Kuwait evincing interest in contributing nearly Rs 35 lakh for a health centre in Colva.
Speaking to The Goan, Commissioner for NRI Affairs Wilfred Mesquita said, “He is the only person who is waiting eagerly for the scheme. The required land has already been allotted to the project.”
Speaking about how the scheme came into existence, Mesquita said, “One NRI Alexander Fernandes from Colva had approached us because he wanted to contribute money for a small hospital project in Colva. Then we thought of having a scheme for the entire State of Goa and started work on the same and discovered that there exists a similar scheme in the State of Punjab. It took us nearly three years to overcome all the hurdles.”
The scheme designed by the State Government is on similar lines with the ‘Mera Pind’ scheme in Punjab.
“The whole idea is to get the NRIs or expatriates involved in the development of Goa. You cannot expect all to put in crores of rupees, but in whatever small way possible they can contribute. Once you put all that together it will become quite substantive”, he said adding, “With all these factors in mind, the scheme was approved by the cabinet and will be implemented soon.”
Earlier, before formulating the scheme, letters were also sent to panchayats and municipal councils informing about this concept and inviting their comments and suggestions on the same.
“To this, most of the panchayats responded while municipalities did not. With these replies, we got a fair idea of what they wanted”, said Mesquita adding, “Accordingly we decided that a separate account would be opened for this scheme. There would be a high level committee headed by the commissioner of NRI Affairs to select the projects. And then they will be handed over to GSIDC for execution.”
To ensure transparency, the details of the project would be uploaded on the website in addition to its progress. A designated chartered accountant will audit the project.
When asked how many expatriates had shown willingness to contribute, Mesquita said, “Many people have approached us on several occasions. It is very easy when there is no scheme. Now when the scheme is in place let us see how many of them approach. I am hopeful. We have opened the door. Let them come forward.”
The projects that can be taken up under this scheme include construction of additional classrooms, laboratories, libraries and renovation of school buildings; school infrastructure like provision of benches, desks, blackboards, laboratory equipment, fans, sports articles; village libraries, reading rooms; public toilets, health centres, old age homes, among others.
“Not only an individual but a group of people can come together and contribute. Additionally they can also name it in the memory of their near and dear ones. The maintenance will be done by the local municipalities and panchayats which can also collect money which will be like an additional incentive”, said Mesquita.
