PANJIM: Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) and Shiv Sena on Saturday announced they would discontinue government grants to English primary medium schools in a phased manner, if the alliance is voted to power.
Addressing the media after releasing the combined poll manifesto, GSM President Anand Shirodkar said, “Government grants to English medium primary schools will be discontinued step-by-step from the academic year 2017-18 and additional special incentives will be given to primary schools in Marathi, Konkani and other Indian languages.”
He added, “GSM was set up as a political party under the guidance of Subhash Velingkar, to fight all forces which subscribe to the retrograde policy of giving grant in aid to English primary schools and we as a party will withdraw grants to English schools on priority basis.”
The manifesto also promises to amend the Goa Gambling Act to enable termination of casino licenses, subject to due process of law. “With this rave parties and EDMs will be banned in the State,” he said.
The GSM-SS alliance also promises to fight the drug menace and bring in more stringent laws with the help of the Centre and set up a special narcotics cell to check the spread of drugs.
The parties also said that deployment of police personnel for security of ministers and high-ranking officials will be reduced to make more police personnel available for prevention of crime and maintenance of law and order.
They assured to launch a populist initiative by introducing subsidised loans for purchase of vehicles and homes to government servants, a scheme which was discontinued. The combine said that approvals granted by Investment Promotion Board (IPB) would not be disconnected from the land use plan (Regional Plan) but instead would be in conformity with it (RP).
The much discussed RP would be re-drawn within a year to make it in conformity with the objectives of sustainable development. On the mining front, the alliance has assured that mining would be regulated as per Supreme Court guidelines and construction of mining corridors expedited with industry participation.
GSM-SS also promised to amend the Tenancy Act 1976 to withdraw the amendment passed by the BJP government and make it easy for tenants and landlords to exercise their genuine rights.
Where tourism is concerned, the GSM-SS poll manifesto promises to encourage hinterland, cultural and spiritual tourism and states that beach tourism will be regulated as per the Centre’s guidelines.
GSM leader Arvind Bhatikar said the alliance will have a common minimum program post the elections and after forming the government the number of ministers in the cabinet will be curtailed to less than 12 including the chief minister.
GSM will be contesting in Siolim, Panjim, Mayem, Sankhali, Curchorem and Velim while Shiv Sena has fielded candidates in Saligao, Tivim, Cuncolim and Mormugao.
