Goa cannot afford to be forever hospitable. Yet another State-sponsored fiesta is taking off by way of a three day Global Goans Convention from 3rd to 5th Jan. This edition of the now annual ritual will cost the taxpayers almost half a crore rupees if not more. That money could have been better spent in hotmixing Panaji's internal roads, which are in a critical and pathetic condition.
Every one knows the issues of concern to Goans overseas. There is no need to hold these annual conclaves which anyway is not attended by many non-resident Goans. There have been so many International Goan Conventions that have deliberated issues concerning Goa and related to Non-Resident Goans. What we need is some action on the part of the government to redress the concerns and demands of Goans living abroad. Now that the damage to the state exchequer has been done, the Convention should at least deliberate the anti-Goa, anti-people and anti-environment Goa Regional Plan 2011. The non resident Goans should realize that the destruction of the green belt surrounding our urban areas will cause havoc to the fragile ecosystem as Goa will be turned into an urban jungle. This Goa Regional Plan 2011 will open the floodgates of uncontrolled migration from the rest of India and Goans will be literally a dying breed. We need to develop an environmental vision for Goa. We need to sink our political differences and be very concerned about Goas environmental and ecological future. Many Non resident Goans (NRG) after years of service abroad long to settle in the land of their origin. But for many reasons they get disheartened and give up. Many Goans feel the urge to play a role in shaping the future of Goa but the authorities would have to play their part to encourage them to return and invest their skills and savings in the land of their roots. The very high level of corruption in Goa is something every NRG detests. So a war on corruption by the Government of Goa could be the starting point in bringing Goa closer to every NRG. The modern NRGs are far more professional, skilled, articulate, motivated, caring and affluent than the previous generation. They have an empathy towards Goa and regard it more than just another holiday destination. These sentiments have to be tapped by the Government with the aim of seeking mutual benefit. All too often the Government is out to exploit and fleece them. The bureaucratic processes endemic in Indian methodology puts off many Non Residents from investing locally. NRGs also feel that the prospects of a good education in Goa for their children are bleak and that is something the Government should focus on. Good hospitals and quality professional educational institutions are something Goa so dearly needs. Overall, if Goas infrastructure is improved this will motivate many NRGs to come back and set up shop in the place that is so dear to them. But like in other States of India, politicians have their fingers in every pie, and nothing runs professionally or free from political interference. In recent years a lot of Goan politicians have made overseas trips, ostensibly to study projects abroad. It was expected that they would bring home some ideas to improve things here. Unfortunately, these trips at taxpayer expense have in reality been shopping and sightseeing junkets for our ever so greedy politicians. Who can blame the NRGs from despising our politicians after witnessing them in action abroad? Some action and not another extravagant convention is the need of the hour. There is no point draining the state exchequer by way of these farcical conventions with no clear agenda and only merry making at public cost. Aires Rodrigues ----------------------------------------------------- C/G-2, Shopping Complex, Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar - Goa - 403 006 Tel: 0832- 2444012 Off , 0832- 2443308 Res, Mobile: 09822684372 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com
