Parrikar's parikrama
Eugene Correia
Manohar Parrikar has done his parikrama around Goa's financial state
in a calculated way. He has circumambulated the thorny issues of the
day delicately with a commitment of a man bent on bringing the desired
results. He has dipped into the goodwill of the people for having
elected the BJP in the hope that his government will adhere to the
party's manifesto in toto. He sought to placate Goans by extending his
merciful hand and doling out more money or gratuities and subsidies
while keeping the growth rate to an achievable target. Some taxes and
levies may hurt some groups of people. But then someone has to pay
some price.
That there were cheers all-round and not many jeers for the budget
says a lot for his reading of the Goan pulse. A feel-good fiscal
outlay with subsidies, social benefits and special concessions to
those who matter most -- the lower middle-class, the poor, the
backward classes, the women, the unemployed, the students -- is what
the budget delivers. The common man has been given little room to
complain.
The one part that raised the ire of the socially-conscious Goans and
some social activists was the chief minister's handling of the casino
affair. He seems to have "double-faulted" on this one; speaking in one
language as Opposition leader and another as chief minister. Those who
feel that lowering the entrance fee to the casinos would increase the
number of Goans at these temples of doom are speaking of a impending
social catastrophe, though that may not be the case. However, it would
be prudent on Parrikar's part to consider the many viewpoints.
Raising the fee to at least to Rs 2,500, half of the amount charged
earlier, may go down well with some of the protesters. No doubt
Parrikar will honour his word to keep Goans under 21 years of age at
bay through implementation of some sort of a system. Whatever measures
or security arrangements are put in place, it would be very important
to see that these security agencies personnel don't succumb to bribes.
Undercover vigilance officers would have to be deputed at the casinos
to prevent abuse of the security system. He should make those
suffering from "budget blues" feel reassured that this new exercise
will have in-built defensive system.
Parrikar has addressed the pressing issues with the tacit
understanding that the people longed to see Goa painted in a rosy
picture. The recent past of frayed tempers, tempestuous wrangling,
financial skullduggery and political Machiavellism had to be put
behind and a progressive path laid out in front. The budget is the
meat-and-bones version of the BJP manifesto that may or may have not
influenced those who voted for the party. All indicators show that the
voters targeted the Congress for its playing the fool with the
people's sentiments and the public finances.
The two-week period between the time the new government got in and the
time to present the budget was, as Parrikar admitted, too short to put
more details regarding some of the plans. Nevertheless, Parrikar had
lot of time to do his homework by sitting on the Opposition bench. If
the BJP manifesto was a crafty tool that worked wonders, the budget
will be its reality test.
No sphere of public activity has been left untouched. To provide
subsidy of 80 per cent for religious pilgrimages is an act of
providence that would surely stand in good stead for the chief
minister and his government. Religious pampering apart, Parrikar has
also focussed great attention on the scheduled tribes. Marginalised
people long to be welcomed into the embrace of an ambivalent society.
Parrikar has taken these people into account in his effort to cut
across social and economic borders.
As for the infrastructure development, some of those outlined were
long overdue. Parrikar has gone a step forward in setting up a
timeframe for a new bridge over River Zuari. This one, along with
other proposed bridges and the proposed exhibition-cum-convention
centre, will help in fulfilling the government's dream of creating a
top-class (mind you, not world-class) tourist destination, though the
thrust would be on eco- and heritage tourism. However hard the
government may try to sell the above-mentioned brands, the staple
sun-and-sand tourism will continue to be the big earner. At least for
another decade, Goa's fancied coastline will sustain the hospitality
industry and with it the vast labour force it employs.
Parrikar has also dribbled well into the hearts of the football-crazy
populace by making the "beautiful game" the state's official sport. He
didn't miss the spot-kick to give his government the match-winner in a
political game against his opponents. Winning support of football fans
is a fine feather in Parrikar's topi.
The budget chart should serve as good wallpaper for Goans to plaster
on the walls of their homes and offices. It will create the necessary
ambience for Goans to live in hope ushered in by a benign chief
minister.
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