PANAJI
Goa University teachers on Friday held a silent protest opposing the State government’s decision to lease out Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium to private players. The teachers have demanded that the government should reconsider its decision.
The State Cabinet on Thursday approved to lease the stadium, located on the Taleigao plateau to Mumbai-based showbiz company Dome Entertainment Private Pvt Ltd for 10 years. The deal is expected to earn the government revenue of about Rs 25.5 lakh every month. Also, a provision in the deal will permit the government to use the stadium whenever the need arises at no cost.
Speaking to media persons, Goa University Teachers Association President Ramrao Wagh demanded that the government should reconsider its decision in the interest of students and in order to maintain the sanctity of the University, which is located in the vicinity.
He said that the facility was developed as a preferred Sports infrastructure but later was rented out to host various events. The teachers have decided to approach the government requesting a rethink.
“If the government decides to go ahead then the movement may intensify,” Wagh said.
Another teacher pointed out that the facility was one of the visions of former CM late Manohar Parrikar who wanted to develop Goa into one of the best Sports destinations. “BJP government should respect the vision of Parrikar,” he said.
He also said that in the larger interest of students’ security, the government should drop its plan.
The Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium, the first indoor sports facility of international standards in the State, was built back in 2013-14 for the purpose of hosting the Lusofonia and National Games back in 2013-14. The facility was under University custody for nearly three years.
Poor upkeep of the sports facility and its indiscriminate use for non-sport commercial events by the government left it in a condition that it could not be used for the same two disciplines when the National Games were eventually hosted in 2023.
