Goa state govt has declared May 10 a paid holiday for all electors from Karnataka in view of the state elections. Those working in industry, govt depts and private establishments can avail of this leave. The move has not gone down well with industrialists in Goa. The President of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ralph De Souza, has deplored the move. Personally, I feel that this type of appeasement does not augur well for a small state struggling with meagre resources. Karnataka labourers are spread all over the country, and in large numbers, in some cases much more than in Goa. To have a meaningful impact on elections, all Karnataka voters in the country should be given paid leave, if not the Goa move is not justified . Secondly we cannot expect the Karnataka voter who goes to his home state to just vote and return. Workers may stay away for at least 2 or 3 days thus adversely affecting Goa. Finally, taking advantage of the holiday, I fear there will be more tourists in Goa from Karnataka on May 10.
