With all the raised expectations by Goans, here is a realistic list of what
Manohar Parrikar won't be able to do and what he might be able to achieve if he
has the political spine to do it. This is my list (so please don't ask me to
back it up with logic, statistics and other unnecessary things.)
Mining
Manohar Parikar (hereafter referred to as MP) will not make any significant
impact in curtailing the mining industry. This industry and its ancillary
services are too powerful for the polity to clash with it. At the most he will
pacify a few Goans by closing down illegal and possibly defunct mines.
Real Estate
MP will not be able to halt real estate development. Again this industry and
its lobbyist are too powerful. Also in a capitalist democracy one man's
environmental degradation is another man's development. There is a fine line to
tread. If he has courage he will manage to declare the large tracts of land
under environmental protection where development is non-negotiable. Again I
have never seen this happen in a democracy unless there is a very strong Green
party presence, which doesn't concern itself with being in government but takes
on the role of social activist.
Special Status
Non-starter. Has not happened. Will never happen. Why? because New Delhi knows
that it is the first step towards semi-autonomy. Please look at the history of
India since 1947 and see if they have be amenable to giving anyone autonomy.
Migrants
MP cannot and will not make any inroads into controlling migration. See Real
estate for explanation. The influx of migrants is largely on account of
real-estate development. For ways to control it, refer to Hongkong (which is
facing exactly the same problem as us). There are various restrictions applied
for inflow of traffic into Hongkong from mainland China. To pursue similar
policies in India would require not an Act of Government but an Act of God.
There are other things one can do to reduce dependence on migrant labour such
as enforcing a minimum wage for casual labour as well as insistence on
prefabricated housin to be provided during the project and to be dismantled
when the project is over, as well as medical insurance. None of this will be
brought into effect in Goa because India doesn't really believe in equality.
They would much prefer to take advantage of subsidized labour which has a
detrimental effect on everyone else except the top percent
of the population who live off the sweat of other people's brows.
MP will be able to bring about some cosmetic changes in five years but the
overall changes in Goa and India need to be systemic, which includes massive
investment in education and a regeneration of birth control programmes.
Best,
selma
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