MARGAO: South Goa MP-elect Viriato Fernandes said he was keen to collaborate with South Goa Collector Asvin Chandru as well as the State government to ensure that underprivileged individuals, those residing in rural areas and the common man receive the amenities they have been deprived of thus far.
He emphasised the need for streamlining the utilisation of MPLAD funds to avoid the creation of “white elephants” – projects that are costly and inefficient. Fernandes cited the need for a comprehensive audit of children’s parks as an example, to highlight the importance of accountability and effective resource allocation.
The new MP said he met the Collector to work out a strategy to synergise their efforts of helping the public. While speaking to the media, Fernandes made a pointed remark stating that he had told the Collector that he was not here to do any politics, but to take stock of what work can be done in the entire South Goa irrespective of political affiliations. Fernandes recalled the problems he saw first-hand in Goa’s rural hinterlands. “In some places, there is no bus service, so much so that children are not sent to school for this reason. There are people who walk a kilometre-and-a-half just to fetch water at a time when big hotels nearby have all the infrastructure in place for water supply,” said Viriato.
He added that there was a need to take the district administration to the doorstep of such people who are not in a position to travel to the district collector’s office in Margao. He said the Collector’s role is important for issuing directives to various departments in executing works. Fernandes added that he informed the Collector that he would be happy to assist when there is any help required from the Centre or for obtaining funds through various schemes.
Chandor rly track protest case transferred to Special Court due to Viriato’s MP status
MARGAO: The long-standing Chandor midnight protest case is set to be transferred to a designated Special Court following the recent election of Captain Viriato Fernandes as a Member of Parliament from South Goa. The case was previously being heard by a Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) in Margao.
In line with a Supreme Court directive, the High Court has established Special Courts in each district of Goa to handle criminal cases involving politicians, including former and current MLAs and MPs. Judges have been appointed to preside over these Special Courts.
The Judge has adjourned the case until July 31, when all 10 defendants, including Abhijit Prabhudesai, Fredy Travasso, Sandesh Talekar, Vikas Bhagat, John Coutinho, Diana Tavares, Creson Antao, Viriato Fernandes, Royla Fernandes, and Sabita Mascarenhas, are expected to appear before the Special Court judge.
The Maina-Curtorim police have accused these activists of forming
an unlawful assembly and obstructing vehicular and pedestrian traffic by protesting in the middle of the road against a District Collector’s order for the double-tracking of a railway line.
