Team Herald
MAPUSA: Stating that the lifeguards are helpless, Yuva Goa convenor, Siddhesh Bhagat said that despite being deprived of basic facilities they continue to guard the beaches.
The former Aquem Baixo Sarpanch came to the support of the lifeguards during their protest at Mapusa.
He claimed that while Drishti cannot pay Goans properly on time,on Sunday they brought 55 lifeguards from Mumbai to man the beaches due to the strike, who he alleged are being paid double the amount with food and other facilities.
“There is an employment problem in the State and everyone is aware of that. These lifeguards work so hard in the hot sun but at the end of the day the government should think about them. They are manning our beaches and preventing untoward incidents from occurring. For the last few days they have been on strike and already two people got drowned. These people have families to take care of, but how much more injustice should they tolerate. Some have taken loans for wedding and we are wasting crores of rupees on unwanted things but the lives of those people saving lives has no value,” said Bhagat.
He further added that the lifeguards should be should be employed either as part of a society or a government corporation.
“These people don’t have job security or regular payment. We are surprised that neither the Chief Minister nor the Tourism Minister has spoken about the poor condition of these lifeguards who are on strike for the last few days. The government should make a representation on their behalf but they are yet to comment on this issue,” he added.
Bhagat demanded a clarification from the government as to who it is supporting and added that the government should realise that the Goa’s name is at stake without lifeguards at the beaches.
“Over Rs 100 crore is going to Drishti every year but why is the staff not paid on time and deprived the facilities? Supplying lifeguards is Drishti’s business but guarding the beach is the livelihood of these lifeguards. If the number of deaths increase due to drowning they will say to increase the number of lifeguards and get more money. Finally, it is Drishti that will benefit. If 100 lifeguards leave and Rs 12,000 is paid to each person then they save so many lakhs. Where is the account for this as they show they have 600 lifeguards,” he added.
