PANAJI
Pointing out that the government has no control over the largescale sale of plaster of Paris (PoP) idols coming into the State, Fatorda MLA, Vijai Sardesai suggested that the 300-odd Goan idol makers be given a unique QR code for their Ganesh idols.
Sardesai said PoP idols are brought in from other States and sold on a fairly large scale, highlighting the need to stem this trend. "One way of doing it is to give the local idol makers a QR code. That way, those buying the idol are sure it is the local hand-made idol," he said. The idols without a QR code should be confiscated, he added.
Earlier several MLAs, particularly those from the ruling side, had raised concern over the scale of PoP idol usage.
Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo, Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuenkar, Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar, Saligao MLA Kedar Naik and Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye, all raised concern over the widespread use of the PoP idols during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
"Chovoth is celebrated with so much emotion and fervour in Goa. It does not feel good when we see so many of the PoP idols floating in the visarjan ponds," Lobo said while urging the government to be strict in confiscating the PoP idols.
Lobo also thanked the government for providing the idol makers clay-moulding machines through the Goa Handicrafts and Rural Small Scale Industries Corporation (GHRSSIDC). "Earlier, these idol makers used to mould clay (mud) either with their bare feet or hands and the clay-moulding machines have made it very easy for them," Lobo said.
