PANJIM: Politicians and social activists have expressed their disenchantment over the Union Finance Ministry’s reply that ‘substantial resources’ have already been transferred to Goa to ‘meet its financial needs’ thereby hinting that Goa will not get grants of Rs 300 crore sought by the Goa government.
It was a gimmick and the Union government is aware that giving money to the Goa government will only add to corruption. Sawant government is known for event management and Centre has realised that the State government will use the money to hold more events for the purpose of corruption
Adv Amit Palekar - AAP State president.
The Centre’s decision to deny funds for the St Francis Xavier Exposition likely stems from the State government’s lack of a clear plan or roadmap. Since 2014, Old Goa’s villagers have been demanding a Master Plan to responsibly manage the region’s heritage and tourism pressures. Yet authorities have avoided starting the process for reasons they know best
Tahir Noronha - Architect, Urban Planner
Request of Rs 300 crore for SFX Exposition was never confirmed by the Union government, which till date has not responded in any form. This is an indication that the Government of India does not consider Goa’s financial needs as important. Also the money sent for the celebration of 60 years of Goa’s Liberation was not utilised to the satisfaction of the Central government
Trajano D’Mello - Political commentator
On February 6 this year while addressing public meeting at Margao KTC bus stand, the Prime Minister had stated that St Francis Xavier affectionately known as ‘Goencho Saib’ is a symbol of peace, unity and cohesiveness. Modi had said that Exposition held after every 10 years promotes cohesion in the society. But it appears that both, Centre and State governments are not interested in protecting the World Heritage monuments. The Goa government has failed to stop the sprouting of illegal constructions at Old Goa.
Peter Viegas - coordinator, Save Old Goa Action Committee
The Government of India’s stand means that the double engine government is not working. Prime Minister during his visit to Goa to inaugurate the India Energy Meet had addressed a public meeting at Margao, where he spoke about Exposition and called St Francis Xavier a messenger of peace and unity. Was it an attempt to woo voters ahead of Lok Sabha elections
Glen Cabral - Redident Old Goa
Funds were required to speed up various works undertaken in and around Old Goa due to the fast approaching Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier. The ongoing works are yet to pick up as it faces hurdles. We hope the Centre will consider Goa’s request and sanction special grants,
Ambar Amonkar - Old Goa Panchayat member