Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Mar 6: Vijai Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Goa government, accusing it of indulging in “wasteful” expenditure on public events while failing to ensure that benefits from the resumption of mining activities reach the people.
Speaking during the budget session in the Goa legislative assembly, the Fartoda MLA alleged that the government was spending large sums of public money on publicity instead of addressing pressing issues faced by citizens.
Participating in a discussion on the supplementary demands for grants, Sardesai claimed that the government had spent Rs 74 crore on various events across the state. He said ?13.22 crore was spent on a “Vikasit Bharat” programme held in his constituency, alleging that attendees were brought in from neighbouring states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka.
He further alleged that ?9.48 crore was spent on hoardings and advertisements related to activities connected with the G20 Summit held in Goa, accusing the government of diverting funds meant for mining welfare towards electricity-related purposes.
Sardesai also criticised the state’s waste management policies, claiming that despite spending more than ?500 crore on projects, sanitation and cleanliness remained a major concern.
“Roadside dumping continues across the state. Garbage is being dumped openly, and there is no action against those responsible,” he said.
The Opposition legislator further alleged that although mining activities had resumed in the coastal state, local residents were not benefiting through employment opportunities.
He also claimed that the structure of mining leases had triggered protests in some regions, as even temples had been brought within the lease areas. Sardesai said people were agitating against mining operations carried out by companies, including Vedanta Limited, alleging that the gains from mining were not reaching the local population.
He further remarked that “extraordinary circumstances” prevailed in the state, and alleged that the government was “taking over masjids in the same way companies are taken over,” while ignoring key concerns of the people.