PANAJI
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on Wednesday asserted that the Opposition will ensure the upcoming Budget Session squarely addresses the “burning issues” concerning Goa and its people, stating that “Kartavya for Goa and Goans” remains its prime focus.
Alemao said the people are increasingly frustrated with what he described as the government’s political optics while ignoring pressing public demands.
“The first and foremost ‘Kartavya’ of all legislators is to amend the TCP Act by scrapping Section 39A. Nothing could be a greater outcome of this Budget Session than the removal of 39A, which has conferred unguided powers for change of land use and zoning, resulting in rampant sale and alienation of land,” he said.
He alleged that reckless real estate expansion, carried out with total disregard for the carrying capacity of villages, has led to demographic imbalances and the collapse of civic and public infrastructure.
The LoP said the Opposition expects the Speaker to take up the multiple Bills filed by MLAs seeking protection of land and environment and to clear the decks for their introduction in the House.
Listing out key concerns, Alemao said the critical issues before the State include casinos, rising prices, unemployment, the alleged collapse of law and order, and threats to forests and the environment.
“We have moved Legislative Assembly Questions, Calling Attention motions and Private Member resolutions on these issues for detailed discussions,” he said, adding that the Opposition would unitedly ensure accountability from the government.
Alemao further stated that the Opposition would raise the issue of the alleged police manhandling of MLA Viresh Borkar, as well as the filing of cases against protesters opposing Section 39A.
On international developments, he said the Opposition would demand the setting up of a help desk to address concerns of Goans working in the Middle East in view of the recent US“Israel“Iran conflict, and would press for proactive coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs.
Referring to issues such as Dabolim airport, the proposed mega-sized casino vessel and the Mhadei river, Alemao said that despite the government’s “damage control statements,” doubts, fear and insecurity persist among people.
“Unless firm assurances are given in black and white, concerns will continue. The Opposition will grill the government on all these matters,” he said.
Alemao also said the Speaker has agreed to provide adequate time and space for the Opposition during debates on the Demands for Grants, and expressed hope that the assurance would be honoured. He added that feedback received from citizens through emails and written representations would be articulated in the House during the Budget discussions.
