lethargic administration and the attitude of the government towards the welfare of the State.
The discussion also led to a vaguely shocking agreement to the draft Regional Plan 2021, obviously with conditions. The panelists claimed that the former Digambar Kamat-led government raised a light upon the State as the RP created an awareness about every detailed fact of the State; the width of the roads and other aspects.
Dr Oscar Rebello, one of the panelists said that additions to the draft RP21 made by the erstwhile government and the BJP-led coalition, without people’s participation and knowledge, should either be omitted or placed before the gram sabhas.
“It is a good thing that RP 21 is open for public suggestions, objections and views but the additions made in the draft keeping away the general public should be kept out or discussed at gram sabha,” he said.
The discussion also voiced out to the people that RP21 should not be scrapped and therefore the people should not let go of the plan as it has a lot of other positive aspects which will benefit the State and its people.
Among the various issues, the effect of the death of Fr Bismarque was discussed. Sudeep Dalvi, Pramod Acharya and Cleofato Almeida Coutinho were some of the panelists of the discussion.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai slammed the dictatorial functioning of the present government while also accusing it of being controlled by ‘unhealthy lobby’.
“Government is fully under the control of unhealthy lobbies who are so-called consultants-cum-brokers. Most of them originate from Nagpur,” he alleged.
The independent legislator, who without any hesitation criticised the government on various issues concerning the State, questioned the ruling coalition of disregarding the law.
“This government has hit the bottom or the height as never before whether it is finances or corruption or insensitivity to citizens or rampant violation of law or total disregard to environment,” he commented as he pointed out to recent legislation reducing coconut tree to status of a palm.
The day-long session that consisted of a farmer, social worker, music producer among others as representatives also deliberated on unemployment among educated youths and dislike for politics.
“The situation in the political fraternity is so bad that youth are shying away from entering into this field… There are policies for different sectors but without consulting the youth,” Aam Admi Party’s (Goa) Valmiki Naik said. The panelists also expressed displeasure over ignorance to sports and youth affairs.
