the goan I network
MAPUSA
Sympathising with the lifeguards who have been agitating for over two months, Waste Management Minister Michael Lobo on Saturday said he would talk to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to resolve the issue once and for all.
“These lifeguards who are protesting are no longer with the Drishti Lifesaving. They are all Goans and we need to protect their interest. Earlier, I have already held two rounds of talks with the Chief Minister but I will meet him again to find a solution to the problem,” Lobo said.
Lobo was addressing the media after meeting with a delegation of lifeguards who called on him in his Calangute office on Saturday.
Speaking further Lobo said holding demonstrations and going on hartals will not resolve the problems of the protesting lifeguards. “Almost 22 tourists, including foreigners, have died due to drowning in the last two months. It’s a matter of concern to us. We have to find an amicable solution to the problem of the lifeguards and this can be done by holding talks,” he said.
Apart from getting their salaries on time, Lobo said the lifeguards have to get some assurance about their future prospects. “What will they do once they cross 40 years of age? Will they be knocked out of the jobs? They are all concerned about their future,” he said.
Earlier, the lifeguards who had planned to take out a rally in the coastal village of Calangute failed to do so as they could not get permission from the deputy collector.
“We could not take the rally due to some technical issues while seeking official permission. We will hold the rally once we get the permission in future,” said union leader, Swati Kerkar adding says Lobo has assured them that he will talk to the Chief Minister and inform them about the outcome by December 26.
All Goa Lifesaving Union leader, Ajitsingh Rane, said the Chief Minister and the Tourism minister are on record saying that after mining, tourism industry is the backbone of Goan economy. “There is a decline of almost 20 per cent of tourist arrivals in Goa so far. The CM should resolve the problem of affecting the tourism industry at the earliest,” Rane said.
