Poultry traders complain of police harassment
MARGAO: The general body meeting of All Goa Poultry Traders Association raised the issue of the hindrances caused by the law enforcement agencies of Goa while transporting live stock. For the first time, over 40 traders have come together to form this association with an idea to voice their problems to the Government of Goa. During the meeting, the issue of police demanding money to allow the vehicles of livestock was also raised. The traders revealed that the police at Keri toll booth stop the vehicles and demand money ranging from Rs 100 right upto Rs 500 at times. The vehicles are not allowed to pass if the money is not paid,” told Jaykrishna Naik, the president of the Association. “The Government should pay serious attention to irregularity and get us a solution from it,” Naik demanded. The AGPTA was formed recently with Naik as the president, Cleny Fernandes as vice president, Damodar Baujikar as secretary, and Sameer Kunkolienkar as treasurer.
The members of the Association at the meeting highlighted the issue of money being demanded by police at the State borders.
“The climate in Goa is not favourable for poultry businessmen, therefore, they have set up their poultries in Karnataka. We are paying an additional 1% tax to the government and also facing the flak of the random demands for money at the border,” complained Sameer Kunkolienkar. “The police are so tyrant that they have denied entry to a truck for 8 hours recently which killed all the chicken in the consignment,” Sameer disclosed.
Shantaram gives ambulance to ESI hospital in Margao
MARGAO: Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Shantaram Naik handed over an ambulance to the ESI Hospital of Margao on Wednesday. The ambulance is one of the 10 vehicles that have been procured using MPLAD fund. The MP has advised the government to rethink over extending the health scheme benefits to the patients from others States.
Five ambulances have been given to Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim and one each to Canacona Health Centre, Balli Hospital and ESI Hospital. The value of each vehicle is Rs 9 lakh. Commenting on the new health policy, Naik said, “The Government is planning to revive health policy and give benefits to patients from other States. I feel the government has to rethink over this.”
Expressing frustration at the lack of interest shown by institutions in availing benefits under the MPLAD fund, Naik said, “Nobody is bothered to ask for even a computer. Not one hospital, private schools public schools has given a proposal for any help through MP funds.”
“Only aided schools come with proposal and I have orders of over Rs 1.5 crore for various needs. But not one government school or hospital is coming forward. May be they have apprehensions on who is going to do the formalities and follow the same,” Naik wondered.
“I am planning to visit 2-3 health centres and inspect them for facilities and will inform the Director of Health and ask about the required equipment,” Shantaram informed.
