TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Though government received much praise for its decision to build government accommodation for pilgrims in Shirdi and Vailankanni, MLAs complained about the attitude of the staff at Goa Sadan in New Delhi, on which the Goa government spends Rs 4 crore annually.
MLAs across party lines congratulated the government for its decision with others making suggestions on how to take it further including to make adequate arrangements for the pilgrims in keeping with the numbers of pilgrims who visit the place.
Parrikar said that the government was willing to help organisations like the Pilar Fathers who have land in places such as Vailankanni to collaborate in building these guest houses.
“It will also be cheaper for the government that way,” Parrikar said adding that he had received such requests in Shirdi too from such organisations.
However, most MLAs who had stayed at the state-run guest house in New Delhi complained that they were treated badly.
MLAs including Michael Lobo and Kiran Kandolkar complained how they were told there were no rooms available and it was only when they revealed their identities as being MLAs that they were quickly ushered into rooms.
“If that is the situation which MLAs face, what will be the fate of the ordinary citizens?” Kandolkar asked.
Parrikar in his response said that it was difficult to recruit Goan staff there, as there was no one willing to work. This he said was despite the government advertising that Goans will be given preference at the Goa Sadan in Delhi.
He also promised to put Goan officers incharge of the estate. “The problem is that no officer wants to got there. They think that it is a punishment posting. However, I want to make it mandatory to send officers there on six months stints. They should not take it as a punishment,” Parrikar said.