PANJIM: Appreciating the State government‘s efforts towards promoting Goa as a tourism destination on an international platform, Goa Governor Dr Mridula Sinha expressed grave concern over sex tourism, human trafficking and the narcotics trade, which have arisen in the State alongside the growing tourism industry.
In her 15-minute long Republic Day address, the Governor appealed to Goans to be alert about any terror activities and help security agencies avert any adverse situation.
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Sinha was addressing the State level function to mark the Republic Day in Panjim after unfurling the national flag. Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar were amongst those who attend the event.
“Goa has been known as a tourist destination. It is not just a destination to eat, drink and enjoy but it is a place that has protected its cultural identity and one witness’s communal harmony,” Sinha said.
“Though tourism is providing revenue to the State and employment to the local population, it has also brought in issues like narcotics, sex tourism and human trafficking,” the Governor said. “The government is committed to fight these evils. I am hopeful that the joint efforts of the people and government will weed out these evils from the State,” she added.
The Governor pointed out that Goa has achieved the distinction of being a very peaceful place with the government managing to control antisocial and criminal elements. “As far as terrorism is concerned, our security agencies are capable of tackling any eventuality in the State. I appeal the people to help the government machinery stop any unpleasant activities and crimes,” she said.
The Governor appealed to the people to contribute in making Goa garbage free by 2019. She, however, lamented that despite efforts by the government garbage is seen scattered on the roads and in public places which, she pointed out, is disappointing.
“It is therefore necessary that each one of us should vow that ‘I will not make the place dirty and will not allow others to do so at public places’. This small habit will help to make Goa the number one State in the country in the area of cleanliness,” she said.
Speaking on the Smart City Mission, the Governor said the government is making efforts to make Panjim ‘Soak Pit’ free by 2020.
She lamented that despite social awareness and several laws, the situation in the country is not positive towards all round development of women. Safety of woman and their malnutrition still remains a challenge before the nation, she said.
“I am pleased to know that the Union Women and Child Development Mministry’s report has observed that Goa provides safest environment for women compared to other States. Our State is leading on the front in security of women, which is a pride for us and we should work to keep up this reputation,” she said.
The Governor said that “it is a cause of concern that despite efforts, the country is still facing problems dealing with poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, diseases, malnutrition, homeless people.”
“We are also facing manmade challenges like terrorism, violence, extremism, communalism, atrocities on women, which is the biggest threat to the integrity of our nation,” she said.
“It is our responsibility that once again, we should bestow our faith on the ideologies of democracy and secularism which will help us get rid of these evils. This issue needs to be tackled not with the fear or power but with positive thinking and attitude,” the Governor said.
Stating that Goa is marching towards becoming an educational hub, the Governor also urged the encouragement of moral education which will instill good values in the individual.
The Governor reviewed the parade on the occasion, which was followed by a cultural programme presented by school children. She also presented the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Police Training for the year 2014-2015 to Head Constable Suraj M Patil.
