The Centre has rejected Goa’s application for a medical device park despite having a number of pharma companies. The BJP govt at the Centre, the governor and the BJP govt in the State have been making moves to convert the entire Goa into a tourism hub so it is no wonder the proposal has been rejected. The BJP has ‘decided’ that Goa must only cater to tourists a la Bangkok so they will not promote manufacturing units in Goa. Why? Because several BJP leaders have properties in Goa that can generate revenue only from tourism. Goans have no say in the matter because everyone seems ‘sold’ to hinterland tourism. The Sagarmala Project has one objective: hand over jetties for tourism and marinas: again, all for tourism only. Goans need to take control of what they want, not what BJP leaders want. Panchayats must pass byelaws: no tourism related businesses without STPs, police outposts, water and electricity to all Goa and employment to locals only. A white paper showing the current employment of Goans versus migrants in existing tourism units must be obtained.
