Goa State monsoon session is going on from last week. On the first day, the coal issue and a demolition notice to a Goan house were discussed. Other issues like post office jobs going to other states, unemployment, the Mhadei river issue, the tourism sector, and agriculture-related issues were raised. The issue of Mhadei was that Karnataka has already reached Kalsa-Bandura and has plans to divert the river water, but the Goa government has not approached the tribunal at the Centre, which has inter-state dispute resolving powers.
The house was in chaos when the opposition raised questions over the land issue and conversions. The minister answered that the matter was sub judice, and some answers are scheduled on August 7. The sub judice reason was not accepted by the opposition, who demanded an answer to the question. The Zuari land issue was also raised, and the answer given was that the government has no role to play.
The house saw opposition party member Viresh Borkar being taken out of the house when he stepped into the well of the house twice during the session. He also raised a question on persons of Goan origin with the POGO bill, which was dismissed by the Chief Minister, who clarified that the Gazette was passed in 1995 as to who is Goan and the same cannot be discussed again.
The assembly also saw the Leader of the Opposition stepping into the well of the assembly with a book in hand, shouting at the Speaker. The house was full of chaos as the opposition did not get replies to their questions. As more bills are tabled in the coming days, one hopes the government and opposition can move past the disorder and address Goa’s most urgent issues, particularly those concerning land and the rights of its people.
