Says ready to fund project on it from MPLAD funds
TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO: The acquired land opposite the Margao KTC bus stand may well get a parking lot-cum-rest house under the MPLAD scheme of Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik.
If the MP is to be believed, he is even ready to spend funds to the tune of Rs 50 lakh on the project, but on a condition that the project ought to be implemented within a time frame.
The project includes laying of pavers, besides construction of a rest house with sanitation facilities and a small centre for children for the benefit of commuters. “Airports and railway stations have provision for rest houses and sanitation facilities, but this provision is sadly lacking at bus stands. I have now proposed to develop a parking lot, besides a rest house with toilet facilities,” Naik told media persons after inspecting the site with Margao Municipal Chairperson Arthur D’Silva and Municipal engineer Diniz.
Replying to a question, Naik said he would not mind spending rupees half a crore on the project, but on condition that it is completed within a certain time frame. “If the project is allowed to linger for months, the MPLAD scheme will go haywire. I will not receive more funds under the scheme unless the utilisation certificate is submitted of a particular project,” he added.
Incidentally, when the media drew his attention to the government proposal to shift the Margao bus stand near the wholesale fish market, he feigned ignorance of such a proposal. Interestingly, the MMC Chairperson said that even if the government shifts the bus stand, the Mumbai bus stand would continue to function from the existing site.
…Gives Rs 5 lakh for Uttarakhand relief
MARGAO: Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik on Wednesday handed over a cheque of Rs five lakh from his MPLAD scheme towards the rehabilitation of people of Uttarakhand hit by flash floods.
The MP gave the cheque to the district Collector, N D Agrawal, who will dispatch it to the District Collector of Uttarkashi. Naik told media persons that he is making the financial contribution from his MPLAD scheme to the relief works undertaken by the Uttarakhand administration.
…Says Cong for two airports based on expert opinion
TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Saying that the Congress as a political party has to serve the interests of both North and South Goa, senior party leader and MP Shantaram Naik on Wednesday said it has taken a stand for two airports based on expert opinion.
He, however, said that enough care ought to be taken to ensure there’s no land scam over the proposed airport, saying that people of Goa will not tolerate such a thing.
During an informal chat with newsmen, Naik said “as a political party, we cannot be serving only South Goa. The Congress has to serve the people of both North and South Goa. Moreover, experts have given their opinion that two airports are feasible in Goa. We have taken our stand on the airport issue based on this opinion.”
He said he has expalined the Congress stand to Goans For Dabolim Only.
