MARGAO
Demanding transparency on how the government will utilize the Rs 100 crore Central funds for the 60th-anniversary celebration of Goa’s Liberation, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha on Wednesday said the funds should be spent judiciously in times of Covid to strengthen the vulnerable sections, including farmers, and create assets for the people of Goa.
The MP further demanded that the government scrap the track-doubling, other projects and also withdraw the criminal cases against protesters.
Addressing the media, Sardinha pointed out that the government could keep the 60th anniversary celebrations low-key by creating awareness amongst the younger generation on the Liberation movement. The funds could be used judiciously given the prevailing pandemic situation, he added.
“The funds may be spent to bail out farmers. Also, see the state of the roads across the state. Since the Central fund is a good amount, the money could be spent judiciously by creating an asset base for the state,” he demanded.
The MP further demanded that CM Pramod Sawant fulfill the assurances on mining and Mhadei diversion issues. All that people have received are assurances from the government, he said. “The government should engage the best of lawyers and defend Goa’s case on Mhadei in the Supreme Court,” he said.
On the controversial track-doubling project, Sardinha said former CM Parrikar had opposed the project during his tenure. “Even if the incumbent CM feels that Parrikar did not oppose the project, nothing prevents him from scrapping it as it is against the wishes of Goans.”
The MP also raised the issue of labour suppliers bringing workers from outside the state. “The government should ensure that people rendered unemployed because of Covid should be provided employment by paying minimum wages,” he said.
