PONDA: The Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party Marcaim MLA Sudin Dhavalikar in a letter to the Governor of Goa requested to direct the State government to call for a five-day special Assembly Session to discuss the burning issues affecting the Goans.
He demanded discussion on the following issues: Day 1 -– COVID–19 pandemic situation in State and the government’s stand on the same including facility provided at Goa Medical College, Health Department, ESI Hospital and in private hospitals.
Day 2 — Discussion on the Budget for financial year 2020–21 presented and passed by the government unilaterally for Rs 21,000 crore along with austerity measures and placing of white paper and also expenditure department wise as on October 15, 2020.
Day 3 — Discussion on Environmental Impact Assessment due to national
highway, railway double track and power projects along with other environment related issues.
Day 4 — (I) Mhadei issue and its impact on State due to water diversion including Dudhasagar project, (ii) Mining issue and (ii) law and order situation along with drugs and rave parties in the State.
Day 5 — (I) General discussion on department wise issues including ongoing projects. (ii) Private members Resolution if any.
Dhavalikar, in a letter, has drawn attention to the recently held Budget session for the financial year 2020-21 which was cut short to just one day under the pretext of pandemic.
Needless to point out that as a customary practice Budget session is always held for minimum period of 25–30 days with ample opportunity for the members to discuss and place their valuable suggestions on various aspects and financial budget is passed with the best interest of State.
It is heartening that this year budget was placed before the House and passed only by the ruling members that too without any debate by expelling the Opposition members from the House. Perhaps this might be the first time in Goan history that such a malpractice is being adopted by the government, the letter further stated.
