Team Herald
PANJIM: Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho’s ‘declaration’ of Rs 10 lakh compensation to the family of Emidio Monteiro, who died after he fell with his two-wheeler in a pothole at Ribandar, has drawn the ire of the citizens, hasn’t quite reached the ears of the Smart City team which is supposed to pay the compensation.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
However, people and politicos have an out-of-the-box take. They state (tongues firmly in cheeks) that the large-hearted minister will surely arrange to personally give this compensation.
The officials of the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) appeared clueless on the Minister’s declaration. “We are not members of the State Road Safety Council and we are unaware of it,” the official said.
As per the government policy an amount of Rs 2 lakh is given to the family in case of death as per The Goa State Interim Compensation to Road Accident Victims 2015 Scheme.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) vice president Sunil Kawthankar said, “ It’s a gimmick. But we are sure he should and will give compensation from his own pocket.”
A Ribandar resident, who knew Emidio’s family well, quipped, “Ad hoc compensation announcements don’t ever see the light of day unless they become official orders or notifications. With all government agencies clueless, the minister may have decided to put his money where his mouth is and do the wonderful deed of compensation Emidio’s family for a fault that squarely lies with the Smart City officials who are creating death traps.”
Raju Vadavadekar, a Panjim resident said, “ Minister Mauvin can give any amount of compensation but it should be from his own pocket.”
