Team Herald
MARGAO: South Goa MP Capt Viriato Fernandes assured land losers priority in jobs and self-employment opportunities through the Konkan Railway Corporation (KRC).
He promised to write to KRC to extend the deadline to submit applications for 190 vacancies. Land losers whose land was acquired for the Konkan Railway Project met with Fernandes and presented a memorandum requesting confirmation of priority over commercial premises and jobs in KRC.
They highlighted the sacrifices made by Goans who gave up their land for the Konkan Railway Project with meagre compensation and the unfulfilled assurance of priority in employment opportunities.
They pointed out that over 25 shops are being constructed at Navelim side of KRC station at Margao, and 190 job vacancies have been notified with October 7 as the last date to submit applications.
As far as the commercial premises are concerned, they pointed to how some agencies are advertising the renting out of these premises and added that they learnt that some agreement has been executed with an outside State agency, which has been given rights to construct the shops and give them on rent, with some fixed income for the Railways. Strongly objecting to the same, the delegation appealed to the MP to inquire into this matter so as not to deprive land losers of their assured rights.
Former MMC chairperson Savio Coutinho said that these land losers have been hoping against hope that they would get priority, either for jobs in the railways or kiosks at the railway stations. Sadly, neither of the two has benefited the land losers in any real sense till today.
The delegation appealed to the MP to demand that the Konkan Railway authorities be directed to give preference to the land losers in this scheme of allotment of shops/kiosks presently under construction.
They also requested the MP to demand for the extension of the last date, so as to facilitate the eligible family members of land losers, and Goan unemployed youth to apply for the jobs and ensure they are given priority for the same.
One of the land losers, Maria Gomes, complained that her land was acquired to facilitate the construction of the Railway over bridge, but till date she had not received any compensation.
“I have made to run from the Collector’s office of the Railways office just to get a copy of the award, but till today I have not been successful in getting the award copy, and hence I cannot move to the court of law either to seek justice,” Gomes said.
The MP assured to approach the Railway authorities and make a strong case to ensure that land losers and Goan unemployed youth get the rights in lieu of their precious land they sacrificed for the Konkan Railway project.
Mp Slams Central, State govts for failing
to invite Pope for Exposition
MARGAO: South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes criticised both the Central and State governments for failing to invite Pope Francis for the upcoming Exposition of St Francis Xavier’s relics.
Addressing media persons on Thursday after meeting the public at the South Goa Collectorate, Fernandes said that according to his sources in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not extended an official invitation to Pope Francis for the event scheduled later this year.
“Given the Pope’s busy schedule, proper protocol must be followed,” Fernandes emphasised, adding, “There needs to be political will to make this happen.”
The MP expressed disappointment over the missed opportunity during the Pope’s recent visit to East Asia. “The Pope was in close proximity to India just a few days ago. Why wasn’t he invited then,” he questioned.
Despite the delay, Capt Fernandes believes there’s still a chance to rectify the situation. “Even now, it’s not too late. An official invitation can still be sent,” he said.
However, the MP acknowledged the uncertainty regarding the Pope’s availability at this late stage.
Fernandes didn’t mince words when addressing what he perceives as a lack of initiative from the current administration.
The Exposition of St Francis Xavier is a significant event for Goa, attracting pilgrims and tourists from around the world. The alleged absence of an invitation to Pope Francis has sparked debate among local politicians and citizens alike.
On a different note, the MP criticised the State government on various other civic issues that were raised by the members of the public who had come to meet him and he assured to follow up on these concerns.