PANJIM: Blaming the government for increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the State, the Opposition has called for curtailing expenditure of the ministers.
The demand comes after Governor Satya Pal Malik asked Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to reduce the expenditure to make funds available to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and bring the economy back on track.
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Holding the government responsible for rising cases in the State, North District Congress President Vijay Bhike sought a significant cut in expenses of the ministers including temporary suspension of non-functioning corporations.
“The ministers have not taken any precautions; they have put the people in trouble. I demand that expenses of the ministers should be cut down. The corporations which are not functioning should be suspended temporarily,” he said while addressing a press conference at the party head office in Panjim on Sunday.
Bhike also suggested removal of private consultants and advisors to the government, who are being paid lakhs of rupees from the State coffers. “At least till Goa’s economy comes back on track, the government should take these steps to save money rather than using other methods which are against the interest of the general public,” he added.
The revenue loss for the government, at present, is estimated at 80 per cent drop while for the entire year the projection is 50 per cent.
The North and South District Congress Committees also slammed CM and Ports Minister Michael Lobo for contemplating to open tourism in Goa.
“Does the government want to further put the people of Goa in trouble? The casino lobby is already seeking permission for operations… The government should answer as to why the haste to open tourism when COVID-19 cases are rising,” they said.
The party has also asked the government to encourage favourable conditions that would draw Goan youth to take up jobs in the industries. The district committees have also demanded to rectify the working hours in the industries as 12 hours of working will affect the immunity of the workers.
“Give jobs to Goan unemployed instead of focussing on allowing migrants to enter Goa to work in industries. Seal borders. Likewise, the increase in working hours should be rectified… The Goa government emphasises on revenue collection. It should not act foolish but work towards safeguarding the people,” South Goa District Committee President Joseph Dias said.
The party has also demanded to provide free text and note books to the students rather than focusing on online learning citing non-feasibility in the current situation.
