The performance of the present govt in Goa is for all to see. It will be interesting to refresh our memory and compare it with salient projects of the BJP govt that administered the state for 4 years.
Bridges
Goans have always faced hardships in commuting across rivers. A significant boost was given to the connectivity between villages by constructing 14 bridges in 51 months. Several of these were completed ahead of schedule. A few more were planned across the Mandovi river. Curchorem-Sanvordem bridge was completed in 6 months.
Cable-stay bridge at Corjuem was completed 3 months in advance of stipulated time. It was the 6th Cable Stay bridge of India and the first of its kind in Goa. This bridge connected the beautiful island of Khorjuve with Aldona village. Further the village of Mayem can now be reached directly. Earlier people had to used to take the Calvim Ferry.
New Patto Bridge was built prior to IFFI 2004 to facilitate the traffic movement in city of Panaji. Manohar Parrikar had sensed the need of the hour and built the Patto bridge in a very short span of time which has today facilitated the smooth movement of traffic In and Out of Panaji City.
Two other major routes Chopdem-Siolim and Amona-Kandola were connected by bridges and the ferry services were pulled out.
Roads
New bypass via Kadamba plateau was created within a record of 65 days to facilitate the traffic, for the last exposition of St. Francis Xavier where 30 lakh people (almost double Goa’s population) were expected to visit. With no congestion during this event, it turned out to be the best exposition ever.
Old Mandovi bridge was made 2 way to facilitate traffic which was the need of the hour till an alternate bridge was built. The traffic on the NH 17 has increased very much in last decade due to increase in number of vehicles & more traffic inflow into Panaji city for work.
NH 17 in Porvorim was made 4 lane from Pundalik Nagar to O-Coquiero circle which has facilitated the movement of traffic between Panaji, Porvorim and Mapusa.
New Market Complex in Panaji
A well organized market complex was designed in the heart of Panaji. All needs of citizens were considered such as parking, recreation, etc. Spaces were systematically allotted to shopkeepers.
All such projects related to upgradation of infrastructure were managed and executed by the Infrastructure Development Corporation that was created.
KTC bus stands
A strong attempt was made to streamline the existing public transport facilities. Upliftment of KTC bus stand was one of the best things that happened to Panaji in Manohar Parrikar’s tenure. The Bus Stand was given a complete facelift and was extended to accommodate various buses coming from different parts of Goa.
A beautiful bus stand was constructed at Cancona, which also won an architecture award.
Sky Bus project
The ambitious project initiated by Konkan Railway based on a revolutionary technology needed space for a lab. Goa willfully provided land next to the Margao station with the vision that once successful, the same technology could be applied to the busiest routes of Goa and give a new, fast and comfortable public transport experience to Goans.
Dayanand Social Security Scheme
Every senior citizen with no monetary support after the age of 60 is faced with a hard life. Citizens cannot just be abandoned by the govt. A social security is necessary to cater to the segment of people who have no other support. With this in mind a monthly payment of Rs 500 was made to such citizens with a 5% increase every year.
Senior citizens were issued ID cards to help them avail facilities and acknowledge their senior status.
Self employment
Kamdhenu Yojna was launched so that farmers could purchase animals and create their own employment. The procedure for enrolling into this scheme was greatly simplified. This scheme would also make Goa self reliant in milk.
The horticulture dept introduced Krishi Ghars to reduce Goa’s dependence of other states for vegetables. This enabled setting up of sales points for producers and sellers with transportation and cold storage being taken care of.
A low-interest-rate loan was provided for individuals to set up traditional businesses under the Chief Mnister's Rozgar Yojana which benefitted around 500 enterprenuers. The Deendayal Swayam Rozgar Yojana was a self employment scheme for small businesses that enabled people to set up kiosks. This scheme had a 10% reservation for women and self-help groups.
E-initiatives
An ambitious project was launched to provide official documents to citizens at Mahiti Ghars set up across Goa. Technology was put to the right use to reduce queues at government offices.
IFFI
The lot of infrastructure was developed from the central funds for IFFI. Roads were decked up, the city was beautified, Goa's reputation was spread beyond India. People of Goa previously had only filthy theatres as entertainment options. IFFI brought in muliplexes which created competition among theatres.
Beautification of Panaji
Having a favourable panel in the City Corporation of Panaji proved advantageous as several projects could be taken up. Citizens were involved in an initiative called Together for Panaji that made the city look like any other European city.
Demolition of Baina
Baina once had an infamous red ligh area which was a nuisance for residents of Baina. No govt had bothered to get rid of the menace until 2004 when immediately after a court ruling, the illegal slums were demolished.
Quick clearances to industrial projects
A red-carpet welcome was given to IT giant Wipro for setting up a development center in Goa. Lupin, a pharma giant was given clearance for their project in a day. Goa was ranked No. 1 for industrial climate in the India Today ranking.
Educational reforms
The welcome extended to industry had to be complimented by generating local manpower to serve the industry. The number of seats in engineering colleges was significantly increased so that there would be no influx of non-Goans.
The country’s most prestigious technical institute IIT is known for the excellent quality of engineers it produces. The then CM Mr. Parrikar used his acquaintance with the IIT to set up an extended campus in Goa so that students of the Goa University could interact with professors from IIT. There was also a move to get toppers from Goa University enrolled for the MTech course at IIT.
An I.T.I. was built in Curchorem to overcome the issues faced by students related to infrastructure in the polytechnic institute.
Grant-cum-interest-free loan was given to schools for upgrading their infrastructure. Deserving and capable students were given zero-interest loans for higher education.
Cyberage
Familiarity with computers is a must for future initiatives such as E-governance. With this in mind, computers were given to students at very affordable prices so that apart from the child, other family members would develop knowledge of the device.
Medical insurance
A universal mediclaim policy was designed so that Goans could avail treatment in private hospitals with the insurance being made by the govt. The Gates 102 service was started with ambulances stationed across the state.
Trading of power
Goa started trading on surplus power thereby generating revenue for the state. This earned a profit of Rs 100 Cr. This was despite the power tarrif being reduced by 7% bringing relief to the common man. Mobile electricity vans were employed to speedily address power issues. Electrification works of Sanguem, Poinguinim, Sanvordem were completed. An MoU was signed with Reliance-Salgaocar Power Company to ease the burden on the state. A 400 KV power station at Colvale was set up.
Revenue
All the revolutionary schemes and projects were sustained mainly due to a strong financial condition of the state. The revenue collections rose from Rs 63 Cr to Rs 120 Cr per month. Credit rating agencies upgraded the rating of the state showing the strong credit standing of the state.
The state was able to disburse long-pending industrial subsidies.
Welfare of govt servants
It is easy to dole out bonuses to govt servants to keep them happy. But a mere bonus hardly lasts a few weeks. What is important is to improve the life of govt servants like providing adequate housing, reducing commuting time, cutting down bureaucracy. As a first step a housing loan scheme was designed to provide loans on 5, 7 or 10 lacs at a reduced interest rate of 3 per cent.
A substantial increase in the pay of Anganwadi workers was brought about to duly recognize their contribution to the society.
Discipline in govt offices
Frequent visits by ministers to govt offices ensured that employees stayed on their toes. 2nd oct which was always only treated as a holiday was given a new objective. Govt employees were asked to tidy up the offices and the activity was personally monitored by the the chief minister. All departments were speedily clearing files.
Goa was witnessing fast-paced development during the short period of four years. Such revolutionary projects were unheard of prior to the tenure of Mr. Parrikar. It was this high-speed progress that earned Goa the prestigious award for being No. 1 State in India . Also after his tenure any such projects have not been heard of. Goans should apply their minds and decide whether they want to continue with slow-paced development or return Goa back in the hands of someone capable and who has proved his ability before.Cable-stayed bridge
Bridges
Cable-stay bridge at Corjuem was completed 3 months in advance of stipulated time. It was the 6th Cable Stay bridge of India and the first of its kind in Goa. This bridge connected the beautiful island of Khorjuve with Aldona village. Further the village of Mayem can now be reached directly. Earlier people had to used to take the Calvim Ferry.
New Patto Bridge was built prior to IFFI 2004 to facilitate the traffic movement in city of Panaji. Manohar Parrikar had sensed the need of the hour and built the Patto bridge in a very short span of time which has today facilitated the smooth movement of traffic In and Out of Panaji City.
Two other major routes Chopdem-Siolim and Amona-Kandola were connected by bridges and the ferry services were pulled out.
Roads
New bypass via Kadamba plateau was created within a record of 65 days to facilitate the traffic, for the last exposition of St. Francis Xavier where 30 lakh people (almost double Goa’s population) were expected to visit. With no congestion during this event, it turned out to be the best exposition ever.
Old Mandovi bridge was made 2 way to facilitate traffic which was the need of the hour till an alternate bridge was built. The traffic on the NH 17 has increased very much in last decade due to increase in number of vehicles & more traffic inflow into Panaji city for work.
NH 17 in Porvorim was made 4 lane from Pundalik Nagar to O-Coquiero circle which has facilitated the movement of traffic between Panaji, Porvorim and Mapusa.
New Market Complex in Panaji
A well organized market complex was designed in the heart of Panaji. All needs of citizens were considered such as parking, recreation, etc. Spaces were systematically allotted to shopkeepers.
All such projects related to upgradation of infrastructure were managed and executed by the Infrastructure Development Corporation that was created.
A strong attempt was made to streamline the existing public transport facilities. Upliftment of KTC bus stand was one of the best things that happened to Panaji in Manohar Parrikar’s tenure. The Bus Stand was given a complete facelift and was extended to accommodate various buses coming from different parts of Goa.
A beautiful bus stand was constructed at Cancona, which also won an architecture award.
Sky Bus project
The ambitious project initiated by Konkan Railway based on a revolutionary technology needed space for a lab. Goa willfully provided land next to the Margao station with the vision that once successful, the same technology could be applied to the busiest routes of Goa and give a new, fast and comfortable public transport experience to Goans.
Dayanand Social Security Scheme
Every senior citizen with no monetary support after the age of 60 is faced with a hard life. Citizens cannot just be abandoned by the govt. A social security is necessary to cater to the segment of people who have no other support. With this in mind a monthly payment of Rs 500 was made to such citizens with a 5% increase every year.
Senior citizens were issued ID cards to help them avail facilities and acknowledge their senior status.
Self employment
Kamdhenu Yojna was launched so that farmers could purchase animals and create their own employment. The procedure for enrolling into this scheme was greatly simplified. This scheme would also make Goa self reliant in milk.
The horticulture dept introduced Krishi Ghars to reduce Goa’s dependence of other states for vegetables. This enabled setting up of sales points for producers and sellers with transportation and cold storage being taken care of.
A low-interest-rate loan was provided for individuals to set up traditional businesses under the Chief Mnister's Rozgar Yojana which benefitted around 500 enterprenuers. The Deendayal Swayam Rozgar Yojana was a self employment scheme for small businesses that enabled people to set up kiosks. This scheme had a 10% reservation for women and self-help groups.
E-initiatives
An ambitious project was launched to provide official documents to citizens at Mahiti Ghars set up across Goa. Technology was put to the right use to reduce queues at government offices.
IFFI
The lot of infrastructure was developed from the central funds for IFFI. Roads were decked up, the city was beautified, Goa's reputation was spread beyond India. People of Goa previously had only filthy theatres as entertainment options. IFFI brought in muliplexes which created competition among theatres.
Beautification of Panaji
Having a favourable panel in the City Corporation of Panaji proved advantageous as several projects could be taken up. Citizens were involved in an initiative called Together for Panaji that made the city look like any other European city.
Demolition of Baina
Baina once had an infamous red ligh area which was a nuisance for residents of Baina. No govt had bothered to get rid of the menace until 2004 when immediately after a court ruling, the illegal slums were demolished.
Quick clearances to industrial projects
A red-carpet welcome was given to IT giant Wipro for setting up a development center in Goa. Lupin, a pharma giant was given clearance for their project in a day. Goa was ranked No. 1 for industrial climate in the India Today ranking.
Educational reforms
The welcome extended to industry had to be complimented by generating local manpower to serve the industry. The number of seats in engineering colleges was significantly increased so that there would be no influx of non-Goans.
The country’s most prestigious technical institute IIT is known for the excellent quality of engineers it produces. The then CM Mr. Parrikar used his acquaintance with the IIT to set up an extended campus in Goa so that students of the Goa University could interact with professors from IIT. There was also a move to get toppers from Goa University enrolled for the MTech course at IIT.
An I.T.I. was built in Curchorem to overcome the issues faced by students related to infrastructure in the polytechnic institute.
Grant-cum-interest-free loan was given to schools for upgrading their infrastructure. Deserving and capable students were given zero-interest loans for higher education.
Cyberage
Familiarity with computers is a must for future initiatives such as E-governance. With this in mind, computers were given to students at very affordable prices so that apart from the child, other family members would develop knowledge of the device.
Medical insurance
A universal mediclaim policy was designed so that Goans could avail treatment in private hospitals with the insurance being made by the govt. The Gates 102 service was started with ambulances stationed across the state.
Trading of power
Goa started trading on surplus power thereby generating revenue for the state. This earned a profit of Rs 100 Cr. This was despite the power tarrif being reduced by 7% bringing relief to the common man. Mobile electricity vans were employed to speedily address power issues. Electrification works of Sanguem, Poinguinim, Sanvordem were completed. An MoU was signed with Reliance-Salgaocar Power Company to ease the burden on the state. A 400 KV power station at Colvale was set up.
Revenue
All the revolutionary schemes and projects were sustained mainly due to a strong financial condition of the state. The revenue collections rose from Rs 63 Cr to Rs 120 Cr per month. Credit rating agencies upgraded the rating of the state showing the strong credit standing of the state.
The state was able to disburse long-pending industrial subsidies.
Welfare of govt servants
It is easy to dole out bonuses to govt servants to keep them happy. But a mere bonus hardly lasts a few weeks. What is important is to improve the life of govt servants like providing adequate housing, reducing commuting time, cutting down bureaucracy. As a first step a housing loan scheme was designed to provide loans on 5, 7 or 10 lacs at a reduced interest rate of 3 per cent.
A substantial increase in the pay of Anganwadi workers was brought about to duly recognize their contribution to the society.
Discipline in govt offices
Frequent visits by ministers to govt offices ensured that employees stayed on their toes. 2nd oct which was always only treated as a holiday was given a new objective. Govt employees were asked to tidy up the offices and the activity was personally monitored by the the chief minister. All departments were speedily clearing files.
Goa was witnessing fast-paced development during the short period of four years. Such revolutionary projects were unheard of prior to the tenure of Mr. Parrikar. It was this high-speed progress that earned Goa the prestigious award for being No. 1 State in India . Also after his tenure any such projects have not been heard of. Goans should apply their minds and decide whether they want to continue with slow-paced development or return Goa back in the hands of someone capable and who has proved his ability before.Cable-stayed bridge
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