MAPUSA: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Friday alleged that former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat gave permission to Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) to increase coal import by five million tonnes on March 2, 2012 when model code of conduct for Goa Assembly elections was in force.
Dr Sawant stated this during the inauguration of reconstructed Parra panchayat building. Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho, RDA Minister Michael Lobo, GSIDC vice chairman and MLA Joshua D’Souza, Parra sarpanch Delilah Lobo and panchayat members were present.
producing documents, Dr Sawant charged that Leader of the Opposition Kamat during his stint as chief minister gave permission to MPT on two occasions in 2011 and 2012, the last being when model code of conduct was in force for Assembly polls.
Sawant further informed that the government has prepared a plan on how to utilize the Mormugao port for tourism related activities. The plan would be ready within next six months, he said that adding that the infrastructure projects were for the development of the State.
Sawant also called upon village panchayats to play an important role to make villages self-reliant and to eradicate poverty. He said that people of Goa will see the performance of his government during the next 13 months.
Mauvin said that for the first time he managed to get whopping Rs 75 crore revenues from the 15th Finance Commission when the 14th Finance Commission had granted Rs 30 crore funds for Goa.
Mauvin claimed that the formation of a technical cell in the panchayats was a game changer and it was aimed to approve proposals submitted by panchayats at a fast pace. He also disclosed 25 electric buses will be commissioned by New Year even as government will acquire 100 electric buses in the first phase.
Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza and Parra Sarpanch Delilah Lobo also spoke.