MONDAY, MAY 06, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: President of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee Girish Chodankar has demanded with the government to regularise service of lifeguards, who are protesting in the capital city demanding for their rights, at earliest.
“These lifeguards put their own life to risk to save others, but in return what they are getting is ‘injustice’ from this government. The saviours should not be treated like this,” Chodankar said.
He expressed his solidarity with the agitating lifeguards, under the banner All Goa Marine Lifesaving Guards Union, by meeting them on Thursday. Sanjay Sarmalkar and Swati Shet Kerkar were also present on the occasion.
Chodankar while supporting the agitating lifeguards sought intervention of the government to resolve the issue. “This government is doing injustice on everyone. But the government at least should pay heed to the demands of those who save the lives of others,” he pointed out.
“It is the duty of the government to protect the lifeguards, who put their lives to risk while saving others. I feel the government should immediately regularise them,” he reiterated.
According to Chodankar, Goa is a tourist destination and tourists throng on beaches for enjoyment. Hence, there is an absolute need of lifeguards on the beaches. “Goa will lose tourism business if the government fails to deploy these lifeguards on the beaches, which will send the wrong message in this area,” he said.
“This agency (Drishti-under which these lifeguards are engaged) takes money from the government although services are not given. This is happening only because the tourism minister is getting 30 per cent commission,” Chodankar alleged.
