EDITORIAL
Instead of slogans, govt must seriously work towards Goa’s sustainable development
December 19, 1961, is the most significant day in Goa’s history. It marks our liberation from Portuguese rule and integration into the Indian Union. It is a day on which mainly political leaders remind us of our history and freedom fighters’ contribution to the liberation movement.
When all diplomatic avenues were exhausted and the demand for liberation became the voice of the nation, the Indian government took a decisive decision. The Indian Armed Forces initiated a remarkable operation – Operation Vijay – to free Goa, Daman and Diu from Portuguese rule. The Indian Tricolour rising over Panaji marked not just the end of foreign rule but also the dawn of a new era, one in which Goans could reclaim their identity, culture and future as an integral part of India. There should be activities that inculcate feelings of patriotism among the citizens all year round.
Today’s celebration is not only a remembrance of our past. It is a day to look at the future and learn from the past. Furthermore, to celebrate our progress. Whatever criticism there may be, Goa has undoubtedly seen much progress across sectors over the decades, especially in
this millennium.
While we celebrate our achievements, Liberation Day can also be a day to analyse what we failed to achieve. The world over, Goa has been known as a state with scenic landscapes, greenery, wildlife sanctuaries, parks, rivers, lakes, salt pans, hills and much more, which have attracted well-educated people from other parts of the country to settle in Goa.
Tourism is the mainstay of the state’s economy. Goa, whose population is around 16 lakh, received more than one crore visitors last year, according to the tourism department. Questions are raised about the state’s carrying capacity. Also, the state’s ecological assets are being flattened under the pretext of “development”.
On the education front, Goa has achieved much, as several colleges and other higher education institutions have been set up. A new campus for IIT, however, eludes us. Quality of education is also a major challenge, with many of our students leaving the state for higher education. With most people preferring to send their children to English-medium schools, Konkani is taking a beating. The silver lining, however, is that many migrants learn Konkani. The government has to do more to promote Konkani.
It’s a mixed bag in the employment sector. While several Goans go abroad, skilled and unskilled people from other parts of the country come here for jobs. How to retain Goans here by providing them reasonably paid jobs is a challenge before the state government. The government’s flagship initiative – ‘Swayampurna Goa’ – requires
a booster dose.
Goa is known for its rich cultural, natural, archaeological and cultural heritage. To protect which, the state has to go ahead with the Heritage Policy. On the sensitive issue of communal harmony, Goa is not the same as it was two decades ago. On one side, bitterness and hatred seem to be growing, while, on the other, there are no efforts made by the administration and political leaders to rebuild a harmonious state. Achieving a high Happiness Index is important.
At the same time, as the state has set a target to achieve a developed Goa by 2037, we also need to have a scientific bent of mind and build a knowledge economy. On this Liberation Day, let’s strive to liberate Goa from corruption, poor governance, hatred, the plastic menace, etc. What Goa needs is sustainable development.
