PANAJI
Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju has summoned a three-day Monsoon Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly from August 31 to September 2.
The session will commence at 11.30 am on August 31, with sittings scheduled on August 31, September 1 and September 2.
The Opposition, however, criticised the government for convening only a three-day session, alleging that it amounted to a "curtailment of democracy".
Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao termed the session a "ritual" aimed merely at clearing government business instead of addressing pressing public issues.
"Curtailing the duration of the Assembly is the curtailment of democracy. We condemn this utter disregard for the burning issues of the people of Goa," Alemao said. He recalled that the Budget Session, originally scheduled from March 6 to 27, was cut short after only seven sittings. The Budget was also passed without discussion after the Model Code of Conduct came into force for the Ponda by-election, which was later cancelled.
Last week, Alemao had written to the Governor seeking a Monsoon Session with at least 15 sittings, arguing that several important issues required detailed discussion and legislative scrutiny.
In his letter, he said the Assembly should deliberate on matters including the Sarvan-Karapur issue, the impact of Section 39-A of the Town and Country Planning Act, unemployment, deteriorating law and order, rising inflation and concerns affecting students.
He also said the House should take up crucial legislation aimed at safeguarding Goa's land resources, environment, demography and identity, which remained pending after the previous session was curtailed. The Goa Forward Party too condemned the move calling it as a direct attack on Goem, Goemkar, Goemkarponn and demand the BJP government act responsibly and heed to the people. "Three days because this BJP government is afraid of accountability. Afraid to face the Niz Goemkars whose lives depend on the answers," GFP chief Vijai Sardesai said. Sardesai said that Goemkars deserve a government willing to listen and one who cares, not one which hides and escapes under the garb of a three day assembly session.
