Last week we published and analysed, the first ever Mood of Goa survey commissioned by The Goan to Nielsen. This week we gave the Chief Minister a chance to interpret the findingsSujay Gupta / The Goan 03 August 2013Pic Credit: The Goan PicsThe Chief Minister spent some part of his week looking The Goan-Nielsen Mood of Goa survey. He, not surprisingly, saw ‘victory” in the percentages he got for his governments’ performance, his own and the voting inclination of people. Admitting that North Goa may have relatively and marginally backed him less, he attributed to the “economic impact”. And on Salcette, he gushed saying he was quite the man for XaxtikarsThe Goan: The survey does out you in front but can we avoid the fine print of the North backing you less. Ditto for the CDE category lower middle to economically weak sectionsManohar Parrikar: I don’t quite see it that way. In just 15 months, and with the mining ban, 51% have rated my government as good or very good and 5 3% have said the same about my performance. Also if you look at the voting inclination of 51% in North Goa and 63% in the south, you need to take the 12% MGP into account. Part of the 12% of MGP vote in North should also go to the south since Ponda with the maximum MGP votes is actually a south Goa seat. I think 67% in North and 61% in south is more realistic percentage which is fineThe Goan: But look at performance of the government in the North versus South is 36:54, satisfaction levels on curbing corruption in North : South is 69: 44MP: Your survey has touched quite a few ports of the mining belt. Bicholim is a big area, employment issues due to the mining ban has impacted people. On corruption, I have a gut feeling that that North Goa wanted me to take action against a particular Congress politician from the North. I will let it happen through investigations.The Goan: Salcette has carried you in the survey. Is it because they have no alternative?MP: When they (the minorities of Salcette) back someone they do it fully. I have done justice to them and focused on development. I can say they are in love with me. Whatever you may say, the minorities no longer have any barrier to vote for me. Even on issues like the Mopa airport, there is consensus that a second airport is necessary for Goa.The Goan: The economic impact was clearly reflected. 22% in CDE categories wanted change of government now, only 37% feel that performance has been satisfactoryMP: I see the overall percentages mainly and I understand the reasons for it. That will be my focus. We will free some of the land allotted for SEZ’s, allot them to new industries and create jobs and have self employment schemesThe Goan: But the biggest impact has been because of mining and since you are sitting on the throne, you need to find a solution. The survey blames your government the most. For instance you banned mines first. Can you say you will withdraw your ban?MP: I can withdraw my ban in 24 hours but will that help? It will affect our case in the Supreme Court, which will feel we are defying. Your survey also blames the previous Congress government and the center and the judiciary. Look even during the ban I have taken 400 crores from mining companies against stamp duties and old royalties and using 100 crores of that to give financial packages to those affected.The Goan: But the general perception is corruption hasn’t been dealt with an iron handMP: Industrialists and businesses don’t have to pay bribes to get work done and that is why satisfaction levels are higher. People in CDE categories (as per the survey) are not harassed for bribes in police stations and panchayats. That is the crux of corruption. FIR’s have been filed against the corrupt and are nameless because that is procedure. The Police have to name them. I have given them a long rope but will crack down on these investigations to ensure resultsThe Goan: There is another issue which is generating heat- the Regional Plan. Our survey says 60% aren’t quite aware of the status of it but it’s an impact issue which you have consistently avoidedMP: I’ll be frank with you. I don’t want to touch the Regional Plan for a little while longer. Once I send it back to the people and notify, I’ll be under tremendous pressure for conversions. The current situation of having RP 2021 limited to land use of RP 2001 is manageableThe Goan: But you have to bite the bullet. You just can’t let what was a stop gap solution become a permanent one. And you will face pressures wheneverMP: I will bite the bullet but not now. There are too many headachesThe Goan: I’m not asking you for a deadline because deadlines are not metMP: These deadlines are for me, not for you and the public..The Goan (interrupts). But you make promises to the public..MP: No the media forces me, Unless I have deadlines how will I work and I may have not met a few exactly but have done it in reasonable time like the Lokayukta formation.The Goan: But isn’t it better to keep your deadlines to your selfMP: I have decided to do it from now on
