VASCO
South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes has been nominated to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence.
The list featuring Captain Viriato's name was released by the Parliamentary Secretariat. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is also a prominent appointee to the defence committee, which will be headed by National BJP Vice President and MP Radha Mohan Singh.
When contacted, Captain Viriato thanked the Congress for nominating him to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence.
“I thank the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for the appointment, considering the fact that I am a first-time Member of Parliament and that the Committee generally features very senior Parliamentarians from both houses of Parliament with vast experience on defence-related matters,” said Capt Viriato.
He assured to contribute wholeheartedly in helping to strengthen the defence forces when it comes to decision-making and shaping of policies.
Sources revealed that the experience gained by Capt Viriato during his naval tenure spanning 26 years was a major consideration in deciding his nomination to this committee.
After serving on warships in the field of marine engineering in his initial years, Capt Viriato switched over to aviation – handling a diverse variety of aircraft in the course of his duty. He is also the only war hero in the present Lok Sabha. His distinguished service in the Kargil war in 1999 was recognised with the award of the prestigious Vijay Star medal.
Tanavade in RS panel on commerce
Goa State BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Tanavade has been appointed as a member of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce 2024-25. The 10-member Rajya Sabha MPs committee has TMC MP Dola Sen as its chairperson.
