PANJIM: In a bid to have a ‘simple people-centric’ election manifesto, the Congress will approach cross sections of society, including the mining affected, fishermen community, tenants, shack owners, industrialists, economists seeking suggestions for the party’s 2017 poll manifesto, which they intend to release by January 15.
While promising to roll back the water and electricity tariffs and provide these facilities free to the weaker sections, Congress has decided to include Special Status to Goa in its manifesto, but with a provision that it would be fulfilled only if the Centre grants it.
The Goa Pradesh Congress Manifesto Committee chaired by State Party President Luizinho Faleiro met on Wednesday and decided to constitute two committees – one to be headed by former minister Ravi Naik to study the aftermath of the amendment to the Agriculture Tenancy Act and Mundkar Act and the other to take stock of the situation in areas affected by mining closure, which will be headed by President of All Goa Truck Owners Association Nilkant Gawas.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Faleiro said, “We have already approached Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We will now write to CII, Non Government Organisations working for the betterment of various communities like mining, fishermen, tenants, shack owners, small traders, etc.”
The former chief minister said that the party is also in talks with well-known economists chalking out measures to restore the State economy which is currently in crisis. “BJP led government’s lopsided policies and programmes have resulted in a financial meltdown. We want to restore the State economy,” he said.
Faleiro said Congress intends to give a transparent administration and hence will introduce several steps. “Our aim is to bring transparency in governance making it more people friendly,” he said.
Asked whether the party promises to give Special Status to Goa, Faleiro said the issue would be highlighted in the party manifesto but the final decision will be with the Central Government.
