Team Herald
PANJIM: Extending its complete support to the lockdown, imposed by the government in the State till March 31, the Opposition has urged Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to ensure that Goans are not deprived of essential food items.
Sawant on Tuesday chaired an all-party meeting, before announcing complete lockdown in the State as a precautionary measure in wake of coronavirus outbreak in the country. During the meeting, the Opposition requested government to ensure that there no panic situation is created.
Speaking to media persons post meeting, Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat said that all party-meeting has extended its full support to the lockdown in the interest of the people.
“We have given our consent to go ahead with the lockdown but have also suggested that government should work out modalities on providing essential commodities to the people,” he said.
“It is responsibility of the government to see that no one remains hungry. The basic requirements like milk, bread and vegetables are made available to people,” former chief minister said.
Goa Forward Party (GFP) president and MLA Vijai Sardesai said that opposition is cooperating with the government to the fullest. “Let us not use this as a political opportunity but work together looking at national emergency,” he said.
Sardesai said he was first to suggest the PCR measures, wherein preventive and containment have been adopted while the next is remedy. “I have requested CM to see that the testing laboratory is set up within Goa, to which, CM said that the process is on,” he said.
Former deputy CM also said the government will have to give clarity as when and who will make available the necessary commodities to the public during the lockdown period. “This is very important to prevent from any kind of panic situation. We will also appeal the people not to panic and support government,” he said.
Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte said that all parties have come together above political lines in the interest of people of Goa.
“But an action plan will have to be worked out about our response if epidemic breaks out,” he said.
Khaunte said, “We will have to ensure that people don’t panic due to scarcity of essential food supply and special attention is given to elderly people and people with disability as far as their needs are concerned.”
