Team Herald
PANJIM: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Goa finally cleared its stand on the medium of instruction (MoI) and Mopa airport. On Saturday it said that should it come to power it will continue to give grants to English primary schools and Dabolim airport will not be closed down. AAP also said that the Mopa airport tender will be cancelled if any forgery is found during investigations.
AAP released its comprehensive manifesto for the Assembly elections on Saturday. The party’s Chief Ministerial face, Elvis Gomes, said that grants to schools will be continued as the party is committed to affordable and quality education for all. “MoI should not be decided by politicians and language protagonists. AAP will set up a committee of expert educationists to resolve the contentious issue,” Gomes said. He also said that party will take special efforts and focus will be provided to protest and promote local languages.
Speaking on Mopa airport, which is a critical issue in both districts, AAP said that Dabolim airport will continue and all assistance will be provided for its upgradation and expansion. Gomes said, “We will investigate Mopa airport project for speculative private deals of more than 50 lakh sq mtrs around Mopa, especially by politicians.” He said the project will be cancelled if any forgery is found in the investigations.
AAP said the party will exercise all powers – legislative and administrative – to ensure the basic motive of seeking Special Status for Goa. AAP also promised to finalise the Regional Plan 2021 within a year of forming the government after consultation with all stakeholders.
Coming to women, AAP said that women lifeguards, changing rooms and toilets will be ensured for women on beaches. Asserting dignity for women, the party said community justice centres will be set up to provide a safe, accessible and a dignified platform for counselling and free legal support.
AAP also said that sanitary pads will be provided to school-going girls and these will be made available at affordable prices across Goa in toilets through automatic dispensing machines. The party also assured five women-only police stations in the State.
400 vaddo clinics, 50,000 jobs in five years, 24×7 world class bus service, free Wi-Fi and reduction of 50% rates of electricity are some of the other highlights of the AAP manifesto.
AAP also announced Mulla Mansoor Muzavar as their candidate in Ponda.
