But this year, the day is a glaring example of how Goa as a State has failed to give its citizens the healthcare that they expect in return for the taxes they pay. We are in the midst of a pandemic that has already forever taken away 2570 persons, and who knows how many more will succumb to the coronavirus that has already infected 10 per cent of the State’s population. Nobody knows, for we know not how long this pandemic will last, we know not who it will infect, we know not how it will mutate.
What we know is that our government has to take directions from the court to deliver health care to its people, even during a pandemic. And what does that tell you? When courts have to step in and direct the government on daily tasks, it means that the government is not doing the job it was elected to do. There was an executive failure that forced the people to approach the courts, and the justice system ensured that those who prayed to it were not ignored. Against this background, what can the government claim to have done for the people of the State this Statehood Day? It should be a day for introspection and for mourning.
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Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant has announced that there won’t be celebrations due to the curfew and the pandemic, but spoke of developmental projects and programmes being initiated and implemented which are a clear indication that Goa is on the move to achieve greater progress. Governor B S Koshyari has spoken of measures to contain the pandemic and to boost the economy. Tourism has been opened up, the Governor said. This, when there are pointers that it is the unchecked tourism that has led to the second wave could have been avoided. Goa needs to be spared from such typical and impractical statements and promises on this day. Instead it needs to know what exactly has been done to save lives that the virus is taking.
So, when your MLA knocks on your door nine to ten months from now seeking your vote, ask him or her, what he or she did to uphold Article 21 of the Constitution of India during the pandemic. And if your MLA feigns ignorance over this, tell him or her that the Article states, “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to a procedure established by law.” Remind him or her that on May 12, the High Court of Bombay at Goa directed as such: “(COVID positive patients) are certainly dying due to paucity of oxygen (supply). Let us make the best efforts there is no situation on deaths tonight (Wednesday). It is not our intention or role or expertise to go into supply, logistics etc. As a Constitutional court we recognise right to life and have to ensure life is protected. Article 21 is completely violated if people die due to lack of oxygen.”
Goa should be in a state of mourning this Statehood Day for the many persons who have died in the past 12 months of this virus. For the Goans, Statehood Day has never been a major event, so on this day being forced to sit at home due to curfew will not come in the way of any celebration. So it becomes an opportune moment to commiserate with those who have lost their loved ones and ponder on where this pandemic is taking the State and whether we are prepared for a possible third wave.
