|
Goa must realise
its potential, now
Sandeep Aggrawal
Goa for millions of Indians and other tourists is a hot favourite
during vacations. But a little is known about, the state has vast
potential in terms of minerals and industry. Very little effort, however,
was made by successive governments to explore the potential of the
coastal land. After Goa was liberated in 1961 from Portuguese occupation,
it hit the interests, of a particular community who enjoyed an unchallenged
superiority over the Goan industry and market. Such interests in their
efforts to save their crumbling empire have opposed every move in
Goa to provide any large-scale employment and opportunity to development.
In fact, the same oppressive Portuguese influence is still continuing
in Goa and the majority of the people (Hindus) continue to be oppressed.
The case of Meta Strips Ltd (MSL) is a case in point. A project for
the manufacture of brass strips, MSL, was started in Goa with an investment
of Rs. 250 crore during 1997. Earlier, the Government of Goa extended
an invitation to set up the project. As the project was near completion
in 1999, some miscreants belonging to Catholic community with the
active support of some dubious religious leaders started protesting
against the project violently taking the plea of environmental pollution.
This apparently
caused immense harm to the MSL. Successive Chief Ministers and political
leaders were pressurised to scrap the project. In view of their hidden
agenda, they manipulated the Government for not providing basic facilities.
Thus, domestic connections of water and power were not provided to
this project for three years-a plight unheard of anywhere. As the
situation became vitiated the Government of Goa issued an order on
April 6, 2000, to close the plant. The order was much to the advantage
of the miscreants and their 'religious' mentors. However, the entrepreneurs
pursued the case against all odds and appealed to the court of justice.
The Supreme Court in its order on May 11, 2000, directed the Government
and the protestors not to interfere in the project. During the 15
months period of communal cruelties, the company has suffered a loss
of Rs. 40 crore towards heavy interest burden and other administrative
expenses. Despite the order the miscreants continued to press for
the closure of the plant. This is an attempt by some vested interests
to maintain their supremacy and domination in Goa taking advantage
of their minority status, said one of the industry-watchers.
The move was apparently aimed at not allowing Hindu families to settle
in the area. It is also alleged that such blind opposition to the
project is only aimed at ensuring that a large section of Goans do
not become well off economically making them vulnerable to conversion.
The demographic composition of Goa has 65 per cent Hindus while 25
per cent of Christians, mainly Catholics. Sight of shops selling alcohol
and people in inebriated condition is very common in Goa. It is no
wonder that under the intoxicating effect of alcohol many immoral,
illegal and illicit acts and sins are being committed. In order to
indulge in these vices, they naturally need money. Since they have
no means of livelihood, such elements resort to extortion tactics
and indulge in crimes. In the name of promotion of tourism, vulgar
dance and songs are common in Goa. Beautiful, long and peaceful beaches
of Goa are becoming centres of flesh trade. The drug Mafia in Goa
is very strong and powerful. Studies show that drug addiction is fast
becoming a major social menace for the Goans. Apparently, the degraded
Portuguese influence is taking its toll as people are weaned away
from Indian culture and ethos. Social menace like caste discrimination
is taking its root in the Goan society.
Although the Catholics say that they do not differentiate between
people, it is well known that the so-called upper caste Catholics
consider themselves superior and do not even prefer to talk to the
Catholics of the so-called lower caste. There is a very high level
of corruption in Goa. Since its liberation from Portuguese Goa has
not witnessed much of the industrial activities despite having great
potential. An influential section of Goans feel that industries like
mining, galvanising, refining, cement, paper, asbestos, metal smelters
and such others should be banned in Goa irrespective of the repercussions
on the economy and the human life. But numerous key problems like
poor power situation, lack of clean water, sanitation and solid waste
systems afflicting Goa require developmental activities. Of course,
there are some cost a society has to bear to become a self-generating
economy. It is an illogical expectation that Goans should enjoy paradise
without taking part in the developmental process. Jobs for the millions
can be provided only by industries as in other parts of the country.
Goans must see the reality. The mammoth Vishva Hindu Parishad Sammelan
in Goa has made some efforts to create awareness in the society on
this count. It is time Goa says no to the slave mentality and usher
in an era of development and prosperity.
|
|
|
