PORVORIM: The Opposition launched a scathing attack on the government on Friday, accusing it of failing to fulfil promises and assurances made on the Floor of the House.
The Opposition MLAs highlighted that the Assurance Committee, led by BJP MLA Alexis Reginaldo Lourenco, has been largely inactive and convened only once in the last one-and-a-half years.
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During a heated debate, the Opposition criticized both the government and the Assurance Committee for not holding Ministers accountable for their ufulfilled promises, which they claim has led to widespread corruption and administrative failures.
CM Pramod Sawant asserted that it is the Legislative Secretary’s responsibility to present all assurances given by Ministers in the House before the Assurance Committee for necessary action. He also stated that individual MLAs have the option to raise issues that have not been addressed before the Committee for consideration.
Sawant further defended the government’s record, mentioning that annual action taken reports on various promises and assurances are tabled, with 95 percent of last year’s promises being fulfilled.
He directed the Legislative Secretary to compile all assurance-related data, categorised by each Minister, and submit it to the Committee.
However, the Opposition remained dissatisfied with the Chief Minister’s response, urging the Speaker to activate the Assurance Committee to address matters promptly and hold people accountable. Aam Aadmi Party MLA Venzy Viegas introduced a private members’ resolution, seeking a provision to ensure all assurances made on the Floor are fulfilled within a guaranteed time frame
The resolution, however faced defeat with 17 votes against it and only five in favour, following a demand for a division of votes by the ruling party after the MLA refused to withdraw the resolution.
