PANJIM: Amidst growing criticism, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Tuesday defended the reinstatement of his brother-in-law Dilip Malvankar into service stating that he was “placed under suspension and not terminated from the job”.
“The law is equal for all. We have reinstated many officials in the past who were suspended from service for various reasons and this is one such case,” Parsekar told media persons responding to a question on the opposition slamming the government for its decision.
“See, I don’t have any blood relation with him (Malvankar). He is just my relative and in this case, he was placed under suspension and not terminated from the service,” the Chief Minister added.
Malvankar was reinstated in Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), ten months after he was arrested by Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) while accepting a bribe in the office.
Parsekar recalled that it was he who had issued the order suspending Malvankar from service. “I don’t understand why my name is being unnecessarily dragged in the issue,” he commented.
Meanwhile, despite local opposition, Parsekar backed the Rs 1000 cr eco-tourism development project proposed at Chapora, stating it will help attract high-end tourists to the hinterland and generate employment. “The project has been proposed by me, as I want to promote Pernem taluka for hinterland tourism,” he stated.
“With a new airport coming up at Mopa, we want to provide best tourism facilities. We want to attract tourists to the hinterland,” Parsekar said adding ‘the project consultant report is still on paper and government is yet to give its final nod’.
“The consultant’s report has been sent to all seven village panchayats (where the project is proposed) and comments sought. In my opinion it is one of the best projects which will attract high-end tourist and create employment,” he stated.
Parsekar said that with coastal areas saturated, there is need to have more touristic spots. “However, let the people decide whether they want the project or not,” he said.
Government will not acquire the land as the investors will have direct dealings with the villagers. “The land will be either acquired by giving full compensation or having a revenue sharing model,” he said.
