Panaji: Opposing the state government›s decision to hold SSC and HSSC examinations, the opposition on Monday demanded that the government immediately cancel the examinations and find an alternative by consulting the experts.
“By holding the exams, the government is putting 18,000 children and their parents at risk…who will take responsibility if tomorrow these children are afflicted with COVID-19? They will require over 2,000 rooms to accommodate students. MHA says schools should continue to remain close and here in Goa board exams are being held… isn’t this violation of the guidelines? ” the Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat quipped addressing a joint press conference at the state assembly complex at Porvorim along with Marcaim MLA Ramkrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar and Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco.
Kamat questioned if the government can postpone the exams when Goa had reported just three COVID-19 positive cases then why can’t it cancel the exams when the state is witnessing a spike in cases of the dreaded virus.
“In other states, students have been promoted based on the marks of the first and second term exams. I feel in Goa similar methods should be adopted by consulting the experts,” the leader of opposition said.
Marcaim MLA Ramkrishna alias Sudin Dhavalikar demanded that the government come out with a white paper on the current financial status of the state.
He also sought to know about the share that Goa government has received from the central government’s Rs 20 lakh crore economic package and also sought to know the details of its actual spending.
“Goa government should spell out how and where the money is being or will be utilized…I am saddened to know that the government has closed the scheme that was extended to government servants for building houses since the year 1988,”
Dhavalikar said.
Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco raised the issue of Goans being charged for COVID-19 testing and quarantine facilities.
“Kerala government is providing free food, quarantine facility, and testing to migrants and stranded students, they are even providing SIM cards. If Kerala can do that then why can’t our government at least provide the facilities free of cost to Goans,” he said.
He alleged that the government has not taken any steps in facilitating the repatriation of Goans stranded across the world.