Goa Khabar : Goa Forward Party North Goa District President Deepak Kalangutkar and General Secretary (Org) Durgadas Kamat today addressed the media, stating that nearly 80% of the issues raised in the recently concluded Goa Legislative Assembly session were concerns voiced by the people during the Amcho Avaz Vijai outreach programme. These issues, collected from across the state, were taken to the Assembly by GFP President and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai through Zero Hour mentions, Calling Attentions, Demands for Grants, Starred and Unstarred LAQs
Kamat said, “It’s been just two days since the Assembly session concluded, and everywhere we go, people are talking, that it was Amcho Avaz Vijai Sardesai in the recently concluded session. The Government claims to work on the principles of Antyodaya, Gramodaya, and Sarvodaya, but in reality, they are failing to uphold these three pillars. Through Amcho Avaz Vijai, from Pernem to Canacona, we gathered people’s concerns and ensured they reached the floor of the House.”
He pointed out that the Vijai had raised 270 questions in the Assembly this session, with many issues receiving immediate Government action. The PoP idol ban was implemented within 24 hours after being raised; the Matoli vendors’ demand for tax-free spaces received the CM’s assurance; the pigeon menace led to CM directing Health Department to take preventive measures; and the coconut price rise prompted a promise of Government intervention to subsidize coconuts keeping in mind upcoming festive season.
Kamat listed other major issues flagged by Vijai Sardesai in the Assembly — the live gaming in onshore casino exposed through a sting operation, which revealed massive revenue losses and led to the police raids and issues of notifications for increas in fines; the nuisance caused by unruly tourists in Fontainhas and St.Tome areas, for which the Tourism Minister promised remedial steps; and the suspension of a Sancoale gram sevak for wrongdoing. Land scams such as the Zuari land scam, the Mayanagri land scam in Quepem, and the Latambarse land scam and Land Scam in Canacona were highlighted, along with the GCA land sell-out attempt, the PPP Vasco Bus Stand issue, and the beach cleaning scam. The party also raised the mid-day meal scam, irregularities in the Curti Kandepar Cooperative Society, and the neglected sewerage pit near Vasco’s football ground.
Kamat reiterated that the GFP will write detailed letters to the Chief Secretary on these scams and land issues, and will continue to act as a constructive opposition, keeping a close watch on the Government. “We will reach the people through Tityavayali Ghazali, and we will not remain silent,” he said.
Deepak Kalangutkar added that the Amcho Avaz Vijai outreach programme covered all 40 constituencies before the Assembly session. “When Vijai visited North Goa, major issues of North Goa talukas were brought to his attention. He became the ray of hope for Goemkars. In Tuem, we highlighted the incomplete hospital building; in Bardez, we raised the Chapora water crisis, double taxation by mapusa municipality, and lack of highway connectivity; in Tiswadi, we addressed the Fontainhas and St. Tome issues; in Chimbel, the illegal borewell crisis; in Curca, the plight of Bihari tenants; in Bicholim, the Ro-Ro ferry problem faced by chorao residents and the delayed mining compensation for Mayem and Bicholim farmers; and in Sattari, the Alvara land disputes. Each of these issues was taken to the Assembly.”
Kalangutkar also mentioned the Menu Card in Panchayat department was raised by Vijai, Communidade Land scam in Latambarse. “Eighty percent of the people’s issues were raised in this Assembly session. The remaining twenty percent will be taken up through Amcho Avaz Vijai 2.0, which we will soon launch across all 40 constituencies. Leadership doesn’t end with the Assembly, we will go door-to-door to bring 100% justice to our people.”
