The verdict given by the Goans through the Opinion Poll 51 years back and simultaneously having declared a separate State was one of the reasons to protect our identity as Goan. The objective of the Opinion Poll was the preservation of the Goan identity, namely Konkani language and culture. After the Opinion Poll we have observed that the migration has increased tremendously which indirectly contributes to the change of Goans’ demography, and is affecting the culture and the identity. Undoubtedly the main cause was many of our Goans went to the Middle East to seek greener pastures and earn a good salary to support their family.
The present heavy and uncontrolled influx of immigration into Goa was well anticipated even at the time of Goa merger into India. Hence a few people who had a vision for Goa and wished Goans well, were keen that some safeguards be put in place, as they could easily foretell that Goa would be soon overwhelmed by hordes of outsiders, particularly considering its small size and sparse population. The patriotism hype displayed by the BJP today , was very much evident then.
Goa could surely not do without the migration because the local available work force would be grossly insufficient to meet the needs of the development, and we have witnessed this trend in the last half century or so. And it is here that we have to forcefully acknowledge the contribution of the migrants, without whom we would not have been able see the progress and the services, we are now beneficiaries of.
Having said that one cannot also brush off the fact that Goa too immensely contributed to the wealth and welfare of the migrants who live or lived here, some of who would perhaps never dream of achieving such high rate of success in their lives, in their own States. In developing countries they welcome immigration due to scarcity of labour, unaware that uncontrolled or permanent immigration could result in social and political problems which are already being witnessed in some places now. Some countries have learnt from experience, and some are trying to take preventive steps now, although a bit too late. Laws in these countries are strictly enforced, so that the rights of both, immigrants and locals which are clearly defined and protective unlike India where laws exist only on paper. Our rulers implement them whenever it suits them as vote bank, money, and muscle power also play a great role. Such controls cannot be exercised within the country. But then Goa had a chance to do it, as the Kashmir people did.
What is worrisome in Goa is that the influx has assumed unimaginable proportions and Goans are turning, if not already turned, into a minority in their own State, seriously affecting the demographics which will result in social, political and economic problem in future, which need to be avoided. We must be thankful to Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, the Curtorim MLA of the 40 MLAs, having fired the first salvo wherein he has pointed out how the migrant people are changing their names in order to suit their purpose at our cost, and this is evident by the fact that whenever our MLAs are chief guests for any of the migrant function they forget Goenkarponn and praise the migrant people, as they are afraid of losing their votes.
In Herald’s edition of May 8, 2019) our Dy Chief Minister Vijai Sardesai said that his party would go to any extent to protect “Goenkarponn” and may even “Weaponise ” his party youth wing for this purpose. He further said that they are ready to go back on the roads to protect Goenkarponn, with the support of Goans. Drawing attention to the recent issue of domicile which is very serious thinking, and is compulsory to all the Government staff, as Goa has to be for Goans, and if this does not happen, he is ready to go to any length, “to save the interest of Goans”. These are all fake statements he is making. On the contrary he is the one when was as the chief guest for some Nepali function showered praises on the Nepali Community. This is nothing but a political stunt to gain some sympathy from the people as he is aware that the present government may collapse any time and he will lose his chair.
If he really means what he says he should ask the Chief Minister and the law minister to conduct comprehensive and thorough checks on all cases wherein the migrants have changed the name, and are adopting Goan names and surnames. The main purpose is to take over property which has a similar name on Form I&XIV and also to obtain a birth certificate, welfare schemes and other benefits such as a Portuguese Passport; some of them even have two voting cards and ration cards, one in their native place and one in Goa. Our Honorable former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar, some years back, has passed a remark that Goa is saturate, and that he would ensure registration of migrant work force. However, these have been empty rhetoric.
Today while registration of tenants by landlords is compulsory, people living in slums and shanties go without it, though they are often the cause of law and order, sanitation, health and hygiene problems. These are some of the reasons why locals are forced to accept from the recent migrants. However we have to accept that immigrant in Goa is our own product and creation. Let us all Goans unite and continue to fight for our rights, and put brakes to all these types of malpractices because these are very serious issues. Let us all request our government to take necessary steps and action in order to protect our identity. Let the political and bureaucratic leaders, keeping aside their dirty politics, work for the interest and welfare to protect ‘Goem, Goenkar and Goenkarponn”. Let us, instead of relying on our political leaders, show, by all means, the unity and power to safeguard our identify and culture.
