Govt committed to protect distinct Goan identity: CM

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2008-12-20
PANAJI- The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat has said that Goans have to decide whether they want to keep pace with the development and live up to reputation of a forward looking citizens of number one state of India or go back to where they were at the time of Liberation and retain that identity.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion of the 47th anniversary of Goa’s Liberation after unfurling the national flag at Campal at the state-level function, Mr Kamat said that it has become a fashion nowadays to oppose every developmental work, be it industries, roads, waste disposal plants, etc in the name of protecting Goan identity, even as he called upon people to decide what they need – development or backwardness.
Stating that Goa, despite facing lots of problems, was on the threshold of development for future and retain its unique position not only as the developed and progressive state in the country but one of the best region in the world, he went on to add that the government was committed to protect the distinct Goan identity and save Goa but that should not be at the cost of development.
The Chief Minister said the government has thrown open the draft Regional Plan 2021 for public opinion and called upon the Goan population to study the same and come out with their suggestions to make it a truly public-oriented plan. He also said that this was the first time that the public opinion has been sought on regional plan.
Mr Kamat said that Goa has been facing various challenges from different sectors and that terror was one of the major problems that the state was encountering off late. He, however, assured that Goa was still a safe place as the government has taken all steps to prevent any terror attack following Mumbai terror attack. He paid homage to those killed in the Mumbai terror attacks.
The government has also taken various measures to prevent any eventuality as such the police have been resorting to road blocks, combing etc he said adding that these measures were likely to inconvenience public and that it should bear with the authorities to maintain peace. He also called upon people to co-operate with the authorities for maintain peace in the state.
The Chief Minister paid tributes to the memory of known and unknown freedom fighters who sacrificed for liberation of the state. He also said that every government that has come to power after the Liberation has contributed to the development of the state. He said that his government too has done a lot to improve the infrastructure and image of the state and its people by providing them best healthcare and other facilities.
He also said that his government did everything possible to help the people of the state, especially when they were looking forward to it like during the time inflation was at its peak by providing them essential item at subsidised rates through a scheme, which would be continued till March 9, 2009 despite inflation having come down considerably. He also said that his government has honoured all its commitments to the people.
He chose the occasion to extend greetings to the people of the state on the upcoming festive occasion of Christmas and New Year saying that government would ensure the safety of the people and allow them to enjoy the occasions free of trouble.
Earlier, he took the salute and inspected the parade. Contingents drawn from the police, the fire services, the Indian Reserve Battalion, the home guards, NCC, schools participated in the parade. A cultural pageantry was presented in which about 2,000 students from Bal Bhavan and 17 schools participated.
Prominent among those present on the occasion were the Goa legislative assembly Speaker, Mr Pratapsingh Rane, Ms Asha Kamat, Ms Vijayadevi Rane, the Transport Minister, Mr Ramkrishna Dhavlikar, Mr Shripad Naik, MP, vice-chairman of Goa Planning Board, Dr Wilfred D’ Souza, the parliament secretary, Mr Francis Silveira, Ms Victoria Fernandes, MLA, Mr J P Singh, Chief Secretary, senior government officials, and a large number of students.
Later, awards were presented to police, fire services and home guards personnel along with social workers. Noted educationist, Dr Benedict Arthur Gomes was also honoured on the occasion by the Chief Minister.