Team Herald
VASCO: Expressing his reaction to the State Budget Swapnesh Sherlekar, president of Goencho Avaaz Party on Thursday asked “Where is the relief to the common man?’’.
Goencho Avaaz raised several questions on the Budget 2021-22 claiming that the Budget is elite friendly and not people friendly.
In a press release, Goencho Awaaz stated that “Given the intense hardship brought to the lives of Goans by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, one would imagine that the government’s first concern and priority would have been to ease the growing burden on the people. Yet again, however, the people of Goa have been callously let down by their government, which appears to be unconcerned about the needs and well being of Goans”.
Given Goa’s already financially precarious position, how can the government even consider going full steam ahead with five star infrastructure, renovation projects and towers at the cost of the public exchequer? Asks Goencho Avaaz.
Goencho Avaaz Party also pointed out that elements of last year’s Budget, which the government failed to fulfil, have been recycled and incorporated in this year’s Budget. For example, the medical college in South Goa from last year’s Budget, which is yet to see the light of day, has been regurgitated in this year’s Budget. It appears that as usual, the powers that are seeking to weave illusions in an endeavour to sedate Goans through the ‘feel good’ factor.
Furthermore, the government in its inimitable style, has addressed the serious job crisis in the State by making sweeping statements and predictions without any valid substantiation.
“Does the public exchequer have the practical wherewithal to finance the 11,000 job vacancies in government departments that the Chief Minister has so blithely promised? Or is the State in for another round of heavy borrowings and massive debt that might sink its finances? Where is the roll out plan for the ambitious 37,000 jobs in the private sector that the CM envisages? Crucial details and reports detailing job requirements of Goans have been conveniently omitted,” questioned Goencho Avaaz.
