TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Ruling out scrapping Regional Plan 2021, the Congress party’s election manifesto has assured rectifications in the plan which would be implemented to the satisfaction of the people. It has also laid emphasis on sustainable mining in the State.
The Congress in its manifesto has also stuck to its decision of giving grants to English medium primary schools along with nurturing and protecting local languages.
The Manifesto Committee headed by NRI commissioner Eduardo Faleiro has already submitted a copy to party President Subhash Shirodkar, which would be finalised shortly.
Addressing media persons, the Committee convener Ramakant Khalap said thrust has been laid on rectification of RP21 and sustainable mining in the State.
“There is no point scrapping the plan. In the manifesto we have made it clear that RP21 would be implemented to the satisfaction of the people”, he said adding “whatever queries have been raised by people would be looked into and would be worked on accordingly”.
Pointing to illegal mining, Khalap said the manifesto has assured sustainable mining. “We will continue to have mining in the State but legally. No illegalities would be allowed”, he said. “Let Shah Commission report come out pointing illegalities and those involved in it”, he added.
To a question, Khalap said blaming a Government does not mean it’s involved in it. “Even when a road accident or a murder takes place, the party in power is blamed but that doesn’t mean the Government is responsible for it”, he stated.
On the Medium of Instruction, Khalap said the party will go ahead with its decision. “Currently, the matter is subjudice. Efforts will also be made to protect the regional languages along with English”, he said.
Congress has been facing major heat over these three big issues and its impact is likely to be felt at the Assembly elections. While anti and pro mining people are anxiously waiting for candidates to come to their doors seeking votes, the village groups protesting against RP21 have already come out with their own candidates.
