-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Wishing all Goanetters | | a Prosperous | | and | | Happy New Year - 2006 | | Goanet - http://www.goanet.org | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPEECH OF S.C.JAMIR, GOVERNOR OF GOA at the inaugural function of the Third Gomant Vishwa Sammelan (expats meet) at Kala Academy, Panjim on January 3, 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------
Ladies and Gentlemen, It gives me great pleasure to join you in the third Gomant Vishwa Sammelan to deliberate on how Goans living in and out of the State expect from, and can do for each other. The Sammelan is a happy occasion which provides not only the opportunity for Goans to meet their near and dear ones, but also an opportunity to interact with each other to preserve, promote and propagate their identity. At the outset, before deliberating on what we expect from each other, we should take stock of the existing situation here in the State, the country and the world. As it stands, we can all be proud of our State. It is one of the richest States in the country with one of the highest per capita income. The Human Development Index is one of the best in the country, comparable with the developed nations of the world. Death rate is low and the growth of population is slow as far as indigenous inhabitants are concerned. The population of the State in 1961 where Goa was liberated stood at about 540,000 and, in 2001, the population increased to 1,347,000. The projected population for 2050 AD stands at 2,700,000 and calculating at this same rate, the projected population for 2015 for the entire State of Goa is about 1,650,000. Economically, Goa is one of the few States in the country where the Plan Expenditure is financed by the State's own internal resources. Only 4% of the population lives below the poverty line and poverty in Goa is the 2nd lowest in the country. In other words, Goa is economically sound. In spite of three dominant religions in the State, Goa enjoys communal harmony where people of different religions tolerate, respect and appreciate each other's beliefs and practices. Goa is also the one State in the country to have a Uniform Civil Code. Even though the Constitution of India clearly lays down that each State should endeavour to have a Uniform Civil Code, it is impossible for other States in the country to implement it. But Goa is a unique exception. The Uniform Civil Code provides equal rights to all citizens of the State irrespective of sex, religion, caste or creed. The level of legal awareness of the population is remarkable. Perhaps, at times, Goans may be seen as a very litigious people, but this litigiousness is because of the people's awareness of their rights, duties and responsibilities coupled with knowledge about legal provisions. Apart from economic and social indicators, Goa is simply blessed with natural beauty. Its white sands, gorgeous beaches, pleasant weather, flora and fauna and the undulating landscape attract people from all over the world. Goa is one of the few places in the world where people feel like coming back after they have experienced its hospitality and beauty. Beach tourism is the mainstay of the tourism industry but at the same time, heritage tourism to old monuments, churches and buildings has also been growing. The State is ideally located and is easily accessible from land, water and air. Tourist arrivals to the State has witnessed a quantum jump in recent years and is growing at the rate of 20% annually. The number of chartered flights was around 700 last year and is expected to touch 1000 this year. Goa receives more than 10% of foreign tourists in the country and generates quite a substantial amount of foreign exchange for the national exchequer. In fact, almost 15% of the national foreign exchange from tourism is attributed to Goa! >From all accounts, Goa had made tremendous progress since Liberation and it continues to grow socially and economically. We certainly feel proud of our beautiful and prosperous State. But this pride should not make us complacent about the potential risks we may face in future. Our achievements should give us maturity to pause and carefully analyze where we are headed and where we would be landing. So far, we can say that we have won Round I, but Round II will test us even more. It would be the litmus test for us and would show us our true colours. Whether we are a mature people ready to steer the ship of our destiny to a better future or not. Just as voyages start after deciding the destination, we should also first decide where to anchor. I would like to ask each and everyone of you gathered here what kind of future you envisage for Goa, say, after 20 years. Let us first have unanimity in the kind of State or society we want Goa to be in 20 years' time. The present is the child of the past, and the future will be the child of the present. So let us consider the present and carefully prepare the road map for the future. I would like to provoke your intellect with a few points: * As of now, Goa is too dependent on beach tourism. Almost 70% of the population in the State depends on the tourism-related sector. Calamities, whether natural or man-made, would prove to be fatal to the tourism industry in the State as seen in other parts of the world in recent years. In fact, tourism in the State is very precarious, largely dependent on Mother Nature. Therefore, we should start promoting eco-tourism to the hinterland, or cultural and heritage tourism, without any delay. Tourism is a temperamental industry. While the State may seem attractive today, there is no guarantee that it will continue to attract crowds of foreign or domestic tourists forever. One stray communal incident, or a natural tragedy, is enough to kill our Golden Goose. * Mining is the second economic pillar of Goa. But we should not be under the illusion that the natural resources are infinite and never-ending. The resources are not going to last forever. The mineral wealth is non-renewable and perishable. There is a limit to the extent that we could exploit Mother Earth for her bountiful treasure. What then, are we going to do after the resources are exhausted? Is there any alternative to sustain the populace who are presently dependent on the mining industry? * There is no perspective planning, whereas the invasion of population on the land is becoming quite conspicuous. Though the population of indigenous inhabitants is not increasing very much, the pressure of population on the land is acute. This population pressure brings in its wake related problems such as garbage disposal, water supply, etc, among others. The hordes of tourists and floating population means hordes of garbage. We should therefore be prepared to manage the tons of solid waste in such a scientific manner which would ensure our beautiful land remains beautiful. * Goa has no permanent power supply of its own and is dependent on the national grid and neighbouring States. Can we afford to depend on other States for one of the most basic necessity of modern life, such as electricity, in future too? * One disturbing trend is the shifting of capital from Goa to other states where the investment environment is more favourable. We should analyze why companies are shifting their interests to other States and we should create a conducive climate for investment in the State. To prevent such shifting of investment and to attract business houses to the State, we could consider tax holidays or something to that effect. The various industrial estates located throughout the State should be vibrant with activities. * The problem of unemployment is a global phenomenon. We do not have accurate figures of educated unemployed in Goa. Currently, there are more than 100,000 applicants on the Live Register of the Employment Exchange who are either unemployed or under-employed. According to the figures available, there are a total of 103,259 educated unemployed in the State. This figure breaks up as follows: 17,882 below matriculates, 35,721 matriculates, 27,068 HSSC, 16,180 graduates, 2,150 post graduates, and 4,256 diploma holders. * The most important issue facing the State today is to ensure a bright future for Goa by developing alternate sources of economic growth, rather than relying on tourism and mining alone. India is witnessing a revolution in the field of Information Technology. I do not see why Goa should not have a piece of the IT cake. Goa, with its English language skills, its pleasant environment, its stable law and order situation and its high level of development, can actually procure a bigger share of the IT business than is currently available. To meet the challenges of the future, Goa needs to prepare a perspective plan, to ensure a sustainable economic development balance with the need to preserve the peaceful Goan environment and its unique culture. While attempting to preserve, protect and promote the unique Goan identity, the Government should seriously consider the demographic balance in the State. I am sure that during the two-days Sammelan from today, you will have the opportunity to seriously engage yourselves on various critical issues to make Goa a better place for the future. I am confident that through the collective wisdom of the Goans and the non-resident Goans, you will surely design a Goa of your dreams. I wish the Sammelan all success in its great endeavour. Jai Hind. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Goa - 2005 Santosh Trophy Champions | | | | Support Soccer Activities at the grassroots in our villages | | Vacationing in Goa this year-end - Carry and distribute Soccer Balls | --------------------------------------------------------------------------