Team Herald
MAPUSA: Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has opined that lifeguards should be brought under Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) since the government pays their salaries which are routed through Drishti.
He said that there is a need for a direct relationship between the government and lifeguards.
“We are paying money to the agency and then they pay the lifeguards. Why this middle men? There is a lot of exploitation of labour in this, which should not happen. All these years, these boys are working under Drishti and are not happy. Practically every year there is a strike — either nonpayment of salary or some other reason. There is a need to put a stop to this. These lifeguards should be taken purely on contract but paid by the government,” Lobo said on the sidelines of a function at Parra on Saturday.
“The lifeguard towers are built using government funds. Jet Ski and other equipments of the lifeguard are also purchased by government and not by Drishti. They are given money to manage and they recruit the labour and give us. Government can take the lifeguards under GTDC who can further pay them. Whoever is not up to the mark should be dropped and another person given the chance based on renewable contracts of 11 months,” he added.
The MLA also said that the training should be given to the lifeguards once a year. The government can take the help of any agency to train them and pay them for their services.
“Whoever is there now, the government should keep them till 60 years. Fitness is very essential and when someone is in the waters swimming they are fit. Whoever does not want to continue can opt out,” said Lobo.
