CM appeals to labourers to stay back

Team Herald

PANJIM: With over 80,000 stranded labourers registering to return to their home town, the State government has appealed to the work force not to leave, fearing a possible halt in development works. 

Addressing media persons on Monday, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant urged labourers not to leave Goa, which is classified as ‘Green Zone’ for COVID-19. “Our Goa is Green Zone and safe. I appeal to contractors to request the labourers not to leave the State,” he said. 

“We have several works going on of PWD, pre-monsoon, GSIDC and other construction and developmental projects. All will come to standstill. It is an appeal to the labour force to stay back,” he stated. 

Sawant said that so far 80,000 labourers have registered themselves with the State government for their return. 

With the Central government allowing special trains to evacuate stranded migrants, students, pilgrims and tourists, in Goa, two trains have been kept on standby, which will ferry migrants to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, with point-to-point service. 

Amidst a controversy over labourers being forced to pay for their return, the Chief Minister said the government is waiting for standard operating procedure (SOP) from the Railway Ministry to decide on who will take care of the expenses. 

Meanwhile, the State government is in talks with the Union External Affairs Ministry to evacuate Nepalis stranded in Goa. The Chief Minister said that they have already registered with the local panchayats and the data is been collected. “In the next three-four days, a decision is expected,” he said. 

The Chief Minister also urged hoteliers and guesthouse owners to inform the government about stranded foreigners, for their evacuation. 

Responding to a question on the financial position of the State, Sawant said that the government appointed Economic Revival Committee is working on an action plan for the State. He said that government has invited public suggestions for the revival of the economy. 

The government has also asked private dental practitioners to resume service.