PANJIM: On Saturday, the Dr Pramod Sawant-led government completed 100 days in office. Sawant, who was administered oath of office in the early hours of March 19, following the demise of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, has adroitly managed to hone his leadership skills, despite never having been in any government.
Sawant’s 100 days have been marked with attempts to revive the State administration which had hit rock bottom due to the prolonged illness of late Manohar Parrikar and the two-and-half-month-long election model code of conduct.
Though, reinvigorating the State administration topped his agenda, the Chief Minister gave equal priority to ensure resumption of mining operations, promotion of rain water harvesting and even an assurance to curb the drug menace, issues that concerned the common people.
Also, his ability not to succumb to the pressure of his ministers (as far as portfolio allocation is concerned) and warning bureaucrats indulging in corruption, work lethargy and being unfriendly with the people, have been appreciated, even by the opposition.
The Chief Minister’s Office being active on social media updating, almost on daily basis, the decisions taken by the government, has helped people understand what’s happening.
Sawant’s first big test as Chief Minister will be during the monsoon session of the State Assembly beginning from July 15, when the opposition is expected to corner him and his ministers on several issues.
“Chief Minister is working really very hard to ensure smooth functioning of the administration, development and other issues concerning the State like mining, tourism, employment. He is trying his best and we as his colleagues, need to be his support,” Calangute BJP MLA Michael Lobo said.
Soon after taking over as CM, Sawant, in a bid to strengthen his government, split the MGP legislative wing and merged it with the BJP. In a major decision, he dropped long-standing Minister Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar, then Deputy Chief Minister, from the cabinet.
Breaking the tradition of sending other minister for Niti Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister went himself with the presentation seeking a mining package and stressing on the immediate resumption of mining activities. Rain water harvesting and hinterland tourism were the other focus areas that Sawant laid emphasis on.
Sawant’s effort has borne some fruit as the Union Minister for Mines is likely to hold a high-level meeting on mining next month. The Chief Minister is confident of finding some solution during the meeting.
“Chief Minister, himself being from the mining area, is aware about the plight of the people here. During our interaction, we have seen his concern towards the issue and we are hopeful of some solution under his leadership,” Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) President Puti Gaonkar said.
Of the 100 days, nearly 65 were covered with code of conduct where he toured the State for Lok Sabha and Assembly by-elections. BJP managed to win three out of four assembly seats and one Lok Sabha constituency under Sawant’s leadership. His biggest failure was the party losing the Panjim seat, the traditional bastion of Parrikar.
Soon after the election code was lifted, Sawant swung into action holding a series of meetings with Ministers, MLAs and bureaucrats. His decision of additional portfolio allocation was not welcomed by several Ministers, but Sawant paid no heed to it.
Also his bureaucratic reshuffles shocked many as he transferred Parrikar’s core team members such as Additional Secretary Finance Michael D’Souza and Transport Director Nikhil Dessai.
While this is just a beginning, one will have to wait for a year to fully judge the performance of Sawant in the chair.
