PORVORIM: Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao on Wednesday criticised the government’s claims about achieving Swayampurna Goem (self-reliant Goa), alleging that not a single government department is self-reliant. Speaking on the annual budget 2024-25, Alemao stated, “Goa has become self-reliant in drugs, murders, bouncers, and gundaraj (rule of goons). There is a collapse of the law-and-order situation.”
Alemao argued that the current jargon in vogue, ‘Viksit Goa’ (Developed Goa), is misleading as the budget does not present a clear roadmap to expand employment and self-employment opportunities. “What we see in Goa is not prosperity but inflammation. What we see is a swelling bulge, a puffiness. This is not the prosperity of the common people,” he said.
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He accused the government of taking pleasure in fighting against citizens, environmentalists, and social activists while defending unconstitutional and anti-people amendments. Alemao claimed that although the Chief Minister makes announcements suggesting benefits for tribals, Scheduled Tribes remain completely neglected. Alemao criticised the government for the state of Panjim, claiming the capital city has been overwhelmed by casinos and disrupted by Smart City Mission works. He also accused the government of being insensitive towards common people by increasing power tariffs while failing to recover huge arrears from large power consumers.
“The budget speaks of the double engine impact but does not put in perspective the double engine threat to Goa,” Alemao said, referring to the State and Central government working in tandem. He further claimed that projects only remain on paper and questioned how many approved projects have actually been established and how many have commenced operations.
Alemao also highlighted the decline in the tourism sector, noting a drastic reduction in international tourist arrivals over the last four years.
