PANAJI: CM Pramod Sawant, during his Liberation day speech on Saturday, claimed that his government would strike a balance between development and environment in the interest of the state. Saying that Goa is “marching ahead” to bring new reforms, he urged the people to keep differences aside to make Goa self-sufficient and “golden”.
“Let us pledge to develop Goa,” he said. At the Campal ground in Panaji, he unfurled the flag and inspected the parade. He also paid tribute to freedom fighters and others who fought for Goa’s Liberation, including those in Operation Vijay.
He also felicitated personnel from Goa police and fire services. Later, Sawant said that December 19 is a significant day for the nation, since the Liberation completed India’s freedom struggle.
The CM said that the world over, Covid-19 has created new challenges and people are trying to find new opportunities. “Due to the strong leadership of PM Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, the country has been able to come out of the pandemic,” he said.
Sawant claimed that the Centre’s lockdown was “successful” and that essential commodities were provided to the people.
The CM said that the state government has worked in a “responsible manner” during the Covid pandemic. “The government has made sincere efforts to provide help to the people of the state during the pandemic,” Sawant said.
He said that the efforts of the state government during the pandemic was recognised by the people of the state during the recent concluded zilla panchayat polls. He also said that Goa is proud of its culture and heritage, but the time has come to become self-sufficient. Sawant said that despite having water and land, we still depend on neighbouring states for fruits, flowers, etc.
“During the pandemic, there were restrictions on interstate transportation, and our youth have learned from the pandemic and become successful farmers by getting into agriculture and dairy farming,” he said
He also said that Goans are always enthusiastic, optimistic and affirmative, and that there is no place for negativity and anti-nationals in the state.
Ayush minister Shripad Naik, speaker Rajesh Patnekar, leader of opposition Digambar Kamat, revenue minister Jennifer Monserrate, MLAs and MGP senior leader Ramkrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar attended the function.
Later in the evening, Sawant, speaking at another function, said that the government would in the next year reach out to the people of the state to prepare a blueprint for the next 60 years with regards to industry, education, business, art and culture, and tourism. “We need to prepare the blueprint keeping in mind the future,” he said.
He also said that the government had laid a foundation for a new Gomantak today.