PANJIM: Following the Herald report on the ‘MLAs Health Bills’, citizens have questioned why tax payers should pay huge amounts for the treatment of MLAs and their family members, some bills of which run into crores.
Capt Viriato Fernandes of Goencho Avaaz said the amount spent is just ridiculous. “In a State which is heavily debt-ridden, this sort of bills on the health of elected representatives speaks poorly on their conscience and responsibilities towards the people,” he told Herald.
He added, “One may justify that they are entitled for these treatments, but simply put, it amounts to theft of public money, a luxury treatment at the cost of the taxpayer. This sort of money would have been enough capital to set up an industry and generate jobs. Bad example set by the MLAs,” he said.
Youth leader Siddesh Bhagat said that the amount spent on the health bills is simply unjustified. “How can the MLAs and politicians splurge crores of rupees in five-star hospitals when the common man who is paying huge taxes is made to sleep on the floor in Goa Medical College and allied hospitals?” he asked.
He asked why the common man should not have similar facilities. “Why give importance to just 40 people? When it comes to such things the BJP and Congress are united to loot the people,” he said.
GPCC president Girish Chodankar said that the expenses on the MLAs and their families within admissible limit remains a debatable issue. “However, we have to look at the amount spent on Parrikar, which is Rs 5.72 cr,” he said.
Chodankar said that if the MLAs are allowed why Goans should not be allowed treatment abroad. “If Parrikar and D’Souza can go out of country, why not common citizen of Goa?” he asked.
