Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa Forward Party (GFP) on Wednesday sought the intervention of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in doing away with the process of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) verifying the birth details of Goan applicants for Portuguese passports.
Addressing the media, GFP president Vijai Sardesai said, “According to the new rules it is mandatory to have verification of their birth records through Ministry of External Affairs, which is a long procedure. Earlier the Portuguese Consulate in Goa verified the records making it easier for the applicant. Also due to this new procedure, several applications are pending and people are awaiting the passport.”
He added, “Today after the cabinet meeting, I met the Chief Minister seeking his intervention in the matter that the process should either be reverted to the old procedure or MEA should give Goa a special concession and he has assured to address to the grievances of the people,” Sardesai said.
The minister admitted to the fact that Goans had to travel abroad in search of livelihood because the State has failed to provide employment opportunities locally. “If a person feels he has better prospects abroad, and he has this facility of Portuguese passport, it is his right to choose. It is his democratic decision to opt for the passport. Also a delegation of the affected people will be meeting the CM in this regard,” he said.
Sardesai also said he supports Health Minister Vishwajit Rane’s decision to create two separate lines for Goans and Non-Goans at the Goa Medical College (GMC). “We support the Health minister’s decision to create two lines in GMC. Goans should get these facilities first. What facility we give others, no one gives us,” he added.
