The Goan: Do you think the Congress party’s opposition tothe Ladli Laxmi scheme is justified?
Dilip Parulekar: I am open for a live debate with Reginaldo,Rane or anybody on the ladli laxmi scheme. The Congress that announced 100schemes and implemented zero from 2007-2012. It will obviously oppose anydevelopment or empowerment in Goa
TG: What about queries raised by the Congress that thescheme would lead to dowry?
DP: The money will be used for purchasing a mangalsutra or awedding ring, a few sweets, a dress for the bride and booking a small hall forthe wedding ceremony. We want to see happy parents as they marry their daughterand not give meager amounts in the name of schemes like the Congress did.
TG: So you are worried of a state debt with Rs 1 lakh givento each girl child?
DP: Your newspaper has been highlighting crores of rupeessiphoned in scams by the Alemaos, Digambar Kamat and other Congress leaders.The Congress believes that the exchequer should be used for multi-crorekickbacks. The Congress announced schemes for vegetable vendors, bhadelis andmotorcycle pilots and people submitted complicated forms with troublesomepaperwork and got nothing.
TG: Why were Ladli Laxmi by giving forms given only to MLAs?
DP: I can admit we made a few mistakes in implementation.Even when the High Court pulled us, we admitted our mistake and have promisedto make 16,000 forms available at government offices and banks. We are humanbut correction is what we are open to as a government. Babu Kavelekar, RohanKhaunte and many MLAs who are not from the BJP have taken forms from BJP MLAsand the government.
"Goa does not need free cash doles without proper planning"
Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, MLA Curtorim
The Goan: Why does the Congress oppose the Ladli Laxmischeme tooth and nail?
Reginaldo Lourenco: Money put into these schemes is taxpayer’s money. Why were forms channelled only through the ruling MLAs. Thescheme further raises eyebrows on Mr Parrikar zero-tolerence to corruptionmantra.
TG: Why does Congress feel that the scheme would lead todowry demands?
RL: The public perception is that the previous scheme by us,where a smaller fund was given to the girl child was for any purpose be iteducation, development of personal infrastructure or marriage was better.That’s how incentives should be given. Not for marriage only. The direction ofthe BJP government and its ways of thinking on women empowerment are totallywrong.
TG: What is basicallywrong with the Ladli Laxmi scheme according to you?
RL: This scheme is a burden on the public exchequer. MrParrikar had commenced DSS and see what a mess this scheme is in I know afamily where the father and mother draw government pension and DSS and thentheir daughter-in-law is now drawing housewife incentives. Can this bejustified? Goa needs better roads, boost to tourism and a surge inindustrialisation for a healthy economy and not free cash doles without properplanning.
TG: But if the scheme is not fair, why did you, as an MLA,take forms to distribute?
RL: (Refuses to answer, changes the subject.)
