Tolentino A Colaco
It is really surprising that the CM Parsekar has developed a sudden spurt of affection for Goans holding Portuguese passports and also for those who have registered their births in the central registry of Portugal. The CM’s crocodile tears are evident from the tone and tenor of his words not forgetting the timing of his sudden affection towards such Goans.
The CM ought to realize that no amount of sweet coated language and loose statements will catch any fire at this moment. The issue of dual citizenship is not a new issue. The corrupt Congress government could easily put the issue at rest forever being at the helm of affairs for so many years but have never bothered to do anything concrete for the sake of our brethren. The present BJP government also could do it and still can put the issue at rest and protect so many Goans on whose heads the Damocles swords still hangs. But sadly what we see is only a carrot and cake. There is no use making tall claims and issuing press statements, what is required is action in whatever form it is required, be it constitutional amendment or amendment to the Citizenship Act. This is the purpose why we have elected members of parliament. It is their job. This is not impossible, what is required is a sincere mind and strong conviction on the part of the Government to take up the issue with an analytical mind and protect Goans from losing their Indian citizenship. Dual citizenship is the legitimate right of all Goans.
The government needs to realize that Goans are opting for Portuguese passport not because they love to become citizens of Portugal or renounce Indian citizenship. It is because the government in Goa has miserably failed to provide gainful and decent employment to the sons of the soil. Jobs in government departments are sold at a premium to which Goans cannot buy thus depriving Goans of their legitimate right to take employment in Goa. Goans are left with no other alternative but to force themselves to go in search of greener pastures through the instrumentality of Portuguese passport. The government is thus responsible for the mass exodus of Goans. As a matter of fact the government should be grateful to those going in search of greener pastures abroad be it the Persian Gulf, UK, Australia etc. The reason being, these Goans bring in foreign exchange, ease the burden of employment on the government and once they are back, go on a spree of building new houses, buying flats or invest in fixed deposits which contributes largely towards the sagging economy of the state. Should not the government be indebted to these Goans? But sadly, this class of citizens are ill-treated and do not get the treatment they deserve. Imagine a situation if all the Goans settled and or working in the Gulf and the United Kingdom and other countries return back home.
The need of the hour is to make available the benefit of dual citizenship to all Goenkars.
