MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday hinted that incidents of murders and rapes in the State have increased due to the presence of people from other States.
He reiterated the government’s focus on tenant verification to maintain data on outstation labourers.
Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone for a new 33KV underground cable from the 220/33KV GIS station at Saligao to 33/11KV Calangute, Nagoa, and Badem stations, including the proposed Baga sub-station, Sawant stressed the importance of monitoring migrant workers.
“We are aware that crimes like murders and rapes have increased. However, when we sublet shacks to outsiders, they bring a different behavioral pattern and even carry knives. Goans, on the other hand, are peace-loving and do not get involved in such incidents,” he said.
He urged people not to take the law into their own hands and assured that the government was actively collecting data on all outstation labourers through the tenant verification drive.
The event was attended by Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, Saligao MLA Kedar Naik, Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo, along with sarpanchas and panchayat members from Calangute, Candolim, Anjuna, and other villages. Chief Electrical Engineer Stephen Fernandes and other senior officials were also present.
Need for technology
in taxi services
On the taxi industry’s ongoing issues, Sawant emphasized the need for technological adoption.
“To compete with other global tourism destinations, we need to embrace technology. Taxi operators should be willing to accept these advancements,” he said.
He added that Goa is recognized on the world map as a key tourism destination, which underscores the importance of developing modern infrastructure.
Boost to infra
and tourism
Sawant highlighted the government’s commitment to infrastructure development in coastal areas and disclosed plans to introduce amusement and theme parks to boost the tourism industry.
Meanwhile, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo urged residents to take responsibility instead of blaming the government for all issues. He also advocated for granting urban status to revenue-generating panchayats such as Calangute, Candolim and Anjuna.
“Many fear that granting urban status means conversion into a municipality, but that is not the case. The panchayat structure will remain intact while locals will benefit from additional amenities,” Lobo clarified.
