Kamat writes to Guv, demands full-fledged Assembly session

PANJIM: Opposition Leader Digambar Kamat on Monday wrote to the Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari demanding a full-fledged session of the Goa Legislative Assembly in November-December to discuss various core issues including growing protest against anti-people and anti-environment projects. 

In a letter to Governor, Kamat said considerable time has passed since a proper session of State Assembly was held and issues pertaining to the State were discussed. 

The Monsoon Session, which was originally scheduled between July 27 and August 7, was curtailed to a single day session due to COVID-19 outbreak. Before that, a week-long session was held in February. 

Kamat alleged that the State government has turned a blind eye on the rising voices of the people against projects like destruction of environment, forest, wildlife, identity of Goa due to the three projects namely railway double tracking, laying of power transmission line and expansion of national highway passing through Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mollem National Park. 

He said there is strong opposition to the proposed marina project in St. Andre Constituency so also the farmers of Shel – Melauli are protesting against the proposed IIT project. He also drew attention of the Governor to various agitations by the people.  

“Due to complete apathy on part of the government to resolve the concerns raised by the people, which have now resulted in spread of agitations across the State,” he said.

 it is important that the people’s issues are discussed in the Goa Legislative Assembly wherein all the 40 elected representatives can put forth their views and take a stand,” the Congress leader said. 

The former Chief Minister requested the Governor to convene a full-fledged Session at the earliest. 

The Leader of Opposition has also brought it to the notice of the Governor about the Business Advisory Committee meeting held on July 22, wherein he had categorically placed on record that a full-fledged Assembly session needs to be convened in the month of November–December. 

Kamat has also informed to the Governor about his letter to the Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly on November 4, requesting for a full-fledged session. 

Drawing the attention of the Governor on various issues, Kamat said that with the outbreak of COVID pandemic, the State is passing through various crises including economic slowdown, unemployment, environmental issues, collapse of law and order, failure of the government in handling COVID pandemic and providing proper health care services and various other issues. 

“It is our duty to raise these issues before the government and demand explanations and also make efforts to find solutions,” he said.