MARGAO: Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza said there is no need for major changes in the Regional Plan 2021 even though the government has committed to keep it open. He also advised Margao Municipal Council to recover the outstanding money and utilise it for various works.
He said, “You don’t require one year for taking suggestions and objections and getting them inculcated. What is required are physical objections and suggestions, the public has to object if any. Politically, we have said that we will keep it open but I don’t think there is a need to change the RP.”
Asked about the Raheja Project he said, “I can’t comment on the legalities of the project as I haven’t gone through the merits. If law has been violated someone has to go to the court, don’t know why no one is going.” He also pointed out that if the project hasn’t started then it is easier to stop the same moving the court and it is the best democratic way to solve the issue.
“In Mapusa we don’t wait for government to solve the issue. We go ahead with the work as we have our own funds and that is what Margao Municipal Council lacks.”
D’Souza also put the ball in the MMC court and said that over Rs 10 crore in taxes is outstanding and awaiting recovery by MMC. They have to recover it and their problems will be solved in an instance.
“Common cadre will be solved before I go as it is an issue which is awaiting finalisation of recruitment rules and the issues like the account heads and the dearness allowances still need to be addressed as we cannot afford to add any more cadres,” D’Souza said, clearing the cloud over the common cadre issue.
Clarifying on the reason for delay in providing compactors and other transportation system the Director of Municipal Administration Elvis Gomes said, “The compactors and trucks proposal is in the pipeline as we are presently doing it under a common purchase tender for several municipalities which should happen soon.”
