FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
8Goan economy at its worst: One in every four youth is unemployed. Goa ranks fourth worst in ease of doing business. Goa’s debt increased eight fold since 2001, putting a heavy burden of Rs 1.53 lakh on each Goan.
8Goa no longer for Goans: Average Goan cannot afford a home in their own State. Government surrendered Mhadei & Goan rivers. Goans betrayed through anti-people legislation such as Bhumiputra Adhikarini Bill, Major Ports Authority Bill & Coastal Zone Management Plan.
8Basic infrastructure still in shambles: Five out of 12 talukas face shortage of potable water. One life lost on Goan roads daily. Goa records seven times more accidents than national average. Goans have to pay three times the average electricity bill.
8Mining suspended, misery appended: Govt failed to start lawful mining, to recover illegal mining loot amounting to Rs 35,000 crore. Lack of foresight cost the livelihoods of 2.5 lakh Goans dependent on mining.
8State sponsored environmental destruction: Govt backed Vasco-Mollem double track and Mopa projects leading to destruction of Goa’s environment and cultural heritage. Mormugao Port expansion plan has put Goa’s biodiversity and lives of people at risk, just to favour few corporate giants.
8Fishermen & farmers betrayed: Goa’s fishing catch declined sharply by over 86% over last 10 years due to excessive trawling by other states. Fuel subsidy for fishermen down by 40%. Production of paddy and meat fell by 18.8% and 20% respectively between 2011 and 2018.
8Healthcare and education destroyed: 11.32 lakh Goans denied right to public health care as only 4 out of 23 mandated PHCs exist. Goa recorded highest COVID-19 death rate and second highest infection rate in country. Govt’s goof-up in oxygen procurement caused 75 deaths in just four days at GMC during second wave. 239 out of 1486 schools have only one teacher. 152 primary schools closed in last eight years.
8Social injustice hallmark of Goan governance: In last 32 years only 83 females contested out of 1653 candidates in Assembly elections. 35000 rightful claims of women pending under Laadli Laxmi and Griha Aadhar schemes. Over 50% of the 32,000 physically challenged have not received their monthly allowance.
8Goa the new crime hotspot of India: Crime in Goa has risen by 60% in the last four years. Five women are raped in Goa every month, of which three are minors. Goa’s rate of rape has become double the national average. Siddhi Naik case is the most recent reminder of government’s incompetency to promptly investigate crimes and bring culprits to justice.
