Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa Forward Party (GFP) has claimed to have established their party setup in eight Assembly constituencies and launched a toll-free 24×7 helpline number to address citizens’ issues.
Addressing media persons at the launch, GFP President Vijai Sardesai said that the toll-free helpline 18002000999, which will act as a quasi-government structure, is launched in eight constituencies, where the party has established its structure.
“We have dedicated people in these constituencies, who will be there to help the people from that constituency. In rest of the constituencies, we don’t have our base yet. But this does not mean that people from other constituencies cannot seek our help through the helpline. They are also welcome,” he stated.
GFP, which is an ally in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led Goa government, has claimed to have set up its base in Mayem, Ponda, Taleigao, Santa Cruz and Cuncolim, besides Fatorda, Siolim and Saligao which are represented by its MLAs who are ministers in the ruling coalition.
Disclosing the party’s expansion plans, Sardesai said, “But let me tell you, our target is not just eight. In the New Year we will go to double digits. So far we are in single digit only. From three we have reached eight and will go for double digit next year.”
He informed that everyone is welcome to call the helpline with their queries, problems, complaints and suggestions, which is aimed towards boosting the administration.
“Anyone having any problem, not just particular to our department, but anything that is concerning the people can call us. ‘Hope, help and act,’ these are our three greetings for Diwali for Goans this year,” Sardesai said.
The GFP President said that the party is ready to discuss any topic and engage with anyone to take Goa forward. “This gives clear picture that we are completely transparent and has nothing to hide,” he added.
Sardesai, who is also a member of the Manohar Parrikar’s cabinet, said that the facility will boost governance, which has currently slowed down. “I have been saying that there is insensitive bureaucracy and because there is insensitive bureaucracy to some extent there is a need for intervention and this is such type of intervention from the party which is part of the coalition,” he said.
Responding to a question, he said that bureaucracy is not fully in Ministers’ command and that they have enough powers to disturb the equilibrium and focus of the elected representatives.
