The Goa government has extended to February 10 the date for submitting public suggestions for the proposed year-long programmes and activities to mark the 60th year of Goa Liberation Day celebrations.
In the given circumstances and the current very turbulent times that the State is facing, the one and only realistic suggestion that any sensible person can make is that the government should not further squander even a single paisa on this needless proposed pomp and gaiety.
The State coffers are empty with even the Comptroller and Auditor General of India warning the government of a debt trap. It should be a matter of great concern that the State’s outstanding financial liabilities has galloped by 47% from Rs 13,877 crores in 2014-15 to Rs 20,412 crores at the end of financial year 2018-19.
In such a precarious financial state it is surprising that the government has the audacity of even thinking of celebrations. Rigorous austerity measures is the only way ahead to protect the State from further financial disaster.
The current economic and health situation does not warrant any celebration and nor can it be justified. We can all rejoice when Goa is truly liberated from the shackles of a failing economy.
