We lack integration and there is total disconnect between Centre and State, between two govt depts and between local self governing bodies and the State govt. Sometimes two different departments don't talk to each other. The intellectual class is migrating and is being replaced by the labour class. There are not enough funds for adequate development because 35 per cent of existing funds are used to pay salaries of govt employees and 25 per cent is for debt servicing.”
Nitin Kunkolienkar,
Ex-President GCCI
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MATANHY SALDANHA LECTURES
Speakers highlight total disconnect between State and Centre
Late minister praised for his vision for Goa
THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI:
A lack of a common long term direction for the State was highlighted at the third Matanhy Saldanha Memorial programme being held in the State to commemorate his 68th birthday on Monday.
The panel discussion saw a variety of views on whether Goa has crossed its carrying capacity including that from industrialists, environmentalists and politicians.
“There is a deficiency in thought and vision. The people have no voice in the State as 75 per cent of the persons we elect care more about themselves than the people or the State. In addition, the government has lost credibility,” Industrialists Blaise Costabir said while participating the in the discussion.
Echoing his thoughts, former Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) president Nitin Kunkolienkar rued the lack of coordination between government agencies which he said was hampering the State’s progress.
“We lack integration and there is a total disconnect between the Centre and State, between two government departments and between local self governing bodies and the State government. Sometimes two different departments don't talk to each other.”
“The intellectual class of Goa is migrating and being replaced by the labour class from across the country. There are not enough funds for adequate development because 35 per cent of the existing funds are used to pay salaries of government employees and 25 per cent is for debt servicing,” Kunkolienkar added.
“Part of the problem is caused as we are not deliberating on how to do and what to do,” Architect Milind Ramani suggested.
Defending the government, BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral rued the fact that in a democracy achieving a consensus is always difficult.
“It is very difficult to satisfy everyone, as every person has different views. Even the person who has been elected has his own views,” said Cabral.
Earlier tributes were paid to late Matanhy Saldanha by his wife Alina Saldanha, former Director of National Institute of Oceanography Dr S W A Naqvi, who was the chief guest as well as AAP leader Dr Oscar Rebello who praised the vision of Saldanha for Goa, something which was currently sorely lacking.
