I have been keenly following the debate on migrant workers and outsiders. Let me make a few observations on the arguements made for and against.
1. Many are making the mistake of comparing migration to other countries with migration to Goa. Goa is not an independent country as some still tend to believe or carry such a mindset. It is one of the states of India and the laws of the country permit free entry for any citizen. Hence, it does not make sense to compare apples with oranges. 2. Enacting new laws do not solve any problems. What is lacking is enforcement of existing laws which are more than adequate to address the issues. There are enough laws on squatting on public property, defacement, littering, construction etc. If there is a lack of will in enforcement, then no number of legislations will help. 3. Many are finding it difficult to accept that we goans are largely responsible for the present mess. It is so convenient and simple to pass the buck and blame the outsiders. Who are selling their lands- goans, who are the main property developers and builders -goans, whom are the builders selling the properties to - outsiders, since they have the money to pay and which the goan cannot afford, who are the people permitting the rape of Goa - corrupt politicians, corrupt bureaucrats, corrupt gram panchayats, corrupt police and administrators, most of whom all are goan. 4. Special laws like Article 371 which are applicable to states like HP and some north-eartern states can be extended to Goa by the Centre if there is a will and unanimity between the two major parties in Goa viz. the Congress and BJP. The Congress (UPA) and the BJP (NDA) together have more than 2/3rd's votes in Parliament and can pass such a legislation. But will the Goa BJP press for such an amendment? It has been largely silent and passive and only wakes up and gets galvanised on temple issues. 5. 'Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty' so said Wendell Phillips. Unless and until all the citizens of Goa wake up and take interest in their own environment, nothing is going to help. If we are going to take the attitude that 'unless it reaches my doorstep it is not my problem', then nothing can save us. The RTI Act is a wonderful piece of legislation and least expensive. If it is used properly, a huge amount of good can be done merely by sitting at home. What is needed is a few committed citizens willing to give their time and energy without any distractions. One can take heart from persons like Shailesh Gandhi, Prashant Bhushan, Mehta and others who have single-handedly made handsome contributions to society and forced the government to act in public interest. 6. I feel it is time for many to realise that we are now in 2009. Looking back to 1961 or prior is only nostalgia.The world has changed and moved on as have many of us. The sad truth is that people will move where they believe they will get a better life to live. Goans have moved to Canada, USA, UK, Australia, NZ, etc. where they percieve they have a better quality of life or opportunities. Similarly, people from less fortunate regions are moving to Goa for exactly the same reasons. The solution lies in not raising a phobia against outsiders but in regulating them. We need to implement laws for protecting our language, and culture and environment. 7. More than outsiders, I believe that uncontrolled mining will pose the greatest danger to the degradation of Goa. But, barring a few, I do not find general awareness about this danger. Goans, wherever they may be can contribute to the well being of Goa in their own little ways by supporting NGO's and people involved in constuctive work, lobbing and influencing decision makers, investing in business generating employment, instituting scholarships in music, arts, crafts and education, financing schools, hospitals, old age homes etc. Regards, Marshall
