The State government plans to spend an estimated Rs 100 crore on events around the year to celebrate the 60th celebration of Goa’s liberation. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has asked the Centre for funds.
The question that comes to mind is what are we celebrating? We see, with tears in our eyes -- our environment being totally destroyed by the three projects, under the command of the Centre. Our river fronts, no longer for the Goan fishermen, being marooned for and by the high command to carry coal.
Are we celebrating our Jubilee by having no water to drink and in the shadow of darkness as Mhadei has been given to Karnataka on a silver plate?
It would be an amazing chemistry to if this Rs 100 crore was distributed to our doctors, nurses and front line medical staff and if every citizen of Goa could get a free Covid vaccine.
This Rs 100 crore could also be put to good use to give laptops and phones to poor students who can't afford gadgets while the State is using online mode for education.
It could also be used for development works which are pending for want of finance, improving health infrastructure and helping people financially affected during the pandemic.
Funds can be spent on development projects, healthcare infrastructure, educational facilities, resolving issues of seafarers and clearing pending payments and perks of government officers and workers.
Our chief minister Pramod Sawant could give a better deal to the Gawdas, Kunbis, Velips and Dhanger communities for their daily bread.
Sawant should also spare a thought to help the land owners who have lost their land for the Mopa airport.
Our chief minister on this Golden Jubilee day should not forget the women in the State. Goa would like to see women rise likes those of the Vice President of America and the Prime Minister of New Zealand and get an opportunity of being in the top 100 women of the world.
I would like to remind our chief minister of Abraham Lincoln’s quote “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power”.
