PANJIM: The Maharashtrwadi Gomantak Party (MGP) has demanded economic package to the people, whose livelihoods are affected due to COVID-19 pandemic enforced lockdown.
Addressing the media persons on Friday, MGP MLA Ramakrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar said that States like Karnataka have already announced support to its people, especially those into marginalised business.
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“Government should provide support using COVID funds,” he demanded. Dhavalikar also raised questions over possible benefit to State and its people from the economic package of Rs 20 lakh crore announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I don’t see Goa benefiting anything from this package. What we will be reeling under is just loans,” former deputy chief minister said.
He claimed that State’s loan limit for the current financial year 2020-21 has been capped at Rs 2070 crore by Reserve Bank of India. Dhavalikar also pointed out that bills worth Rs 500 crore are pending to be paid for the works undertaken by PWD, JICA, sewerage, power department, WRD, etc.
“From where, the government will get these money. State is already bankrupt,” he said.
Further, pointing out that nearly one lakh stranded Goans in India and abroad will be brought back to the State, Dhavalikar questioned whether State has enough quarantine facilities and other medical equipments in place to handle the crowd.
“The government will have to come clear on this. Does State has enough institutional and hospital quarantine facilities? Are there enough ventilators in case of emergency? Are there enough testing kits,” he said.
