GFP chief slams govt performance

Special Correspondent

Panaji

Goa Forward Party (GFP) president and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai released a comprehensive indictment of the government’s performance on Thursday drawing from over 2,000 suggestions received from the citizens across the state.

Describing the forthcoming Budget session as potentially the most significant assembly session of the year, Sardesai revealed that his office received a total of 2,193 e-mails from people, activists and civil society organisations. “The overwhelming messages reflect that Goans are deeply frustrated with the direction in which the state is
heading,” he said.

Stating that the time-bound delivery of government services and the Citizens Charter established during Manohar Parrikar’s tenure have completely collapsed, Sardesai observed that the government services face prolonged delays while costs continue to rise.

“Citizens express fear over erratic supply of water and electricity despite tariff hikes, leading to a growing sentiment that Goa is no longer what it once was,” he maintained, noting that the demand to restore Goa to its former glory resonates across communities.

Sardesai also pointed to reckless land conversions, job scams, rising unemployment, weakening tourism, and escalating cost of living as pressing concerns.

He said that even ruling party MLAs and ministers have voiced similar apprehensions, further stating that the environmental and health impact of coal pollution has created
lasting damage.

“The future of Dabolim airport hangs in uncertainty,” Sardesai said, maintaining that the proposed bandhara at Mirabag, costing 400 crore rupees, was never demanded by locals yet the government proceeds with it without any explanation.

He also said that the creation of a third district for Goa has confused citizens.