NO PRIVATISATION OF GOVT HOSPITALS: CHIEF MINISTERS

PANJIM: The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat on Thursday informed the state legislative assembly that his government has no intention of privatising any of the government-run hospitals in the state.  Responding to the queries raised by the members of the House during discussion on motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, delivered on the opening day of the winter session, the Chief Minister further said that certain services in North Goa district hospital could be rendered with help of private firms having expertise under joint venture.

He further said that modalities for forming the joint venture would be worked out by taking concerned people into confidence and all clearances required under government regulations would be obtained for entering into joint venture.

The Chief Minister also stated that the government would finalise the land acquisition policy by the end of the month and rates to be paid for acquired land would also be announced by the government. He also said that at least one person from the families of those who lose land would be duly compensated.

Dealing on the issue of corruption and bringing in efficiency in government administration and toning it up, he said that introduction of e-governance was the way to overcome these problems. He went on to add that the government has already initiated steps in this direction and that many departments have already gone online.

The Chief Minister also said the government would soon bring in a public accountability bill, wherein the accountability would be fixed on each and every official to deliver the services within a set timeframe.

He also said that a circular has already been issued to all the departments that in case any file remained pending for more than seven days, action in the form of recording the delay in the confidential report would be taken against the head of the department.

The agriculture production has also risen in the state, he added.

Stating that the government has no intention to give new leases for mining in the state, he went on to add that the government has ensured that action was taken against all those involved in illegal mining and hefty fines have been imposed on those found carrying out mining illegally. He also said the government by various measures has ensured that the royalty due to it from mining was paid by exporters.

On the issue of separate mining corridors, Mr Kamat said that his government has convinced the mine owners to undertake the projects for their own benefits adding that the work on the first phase of a separate mining corridor has already been finalised and the work would start soon. He also said the second and third phases would be finalised soon.

As regards to the transportation of the iron ore from the neighbouring state of Maharashtra by trucks, he said that he has directed the transport department to take appropriate action in the matter. He also said that it was on his intervention that grant of environment clearances for new mining projects was held back.

The Chief Minister also said that during the golden jubilee celebrations of the state’s Liberation he formed a committee led by the eminent scientist, Dr Raghunath Mashelkar to prepare a vision documents for the next 25 years with a view to give a proper direction to the development and progress of the state.

The Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik, told the House that police work round-the-clock and their work was satisfactory which has resulted in solving of many cases. He said that if any crime takes place the police were criticised but when they solve the crime no publicity was given to them.

He also said that by raking up issues as regards to alleged “rising” crime and painting a wrong picture about law and order the politicians and the media were defaming the state which would be counterproductive to the state. He said that it was time for all the people to come together and work for the welfare of the state.

The Power Minister, Mr Aleixo Sequeira informed the House that the government has finalised a deal to purchase 37 mW of power which would ease the present situation and that more power would be released for industry. He also said the state government has sought change of EIA procedure, even as he assured action against mining companies flouting environment norms.

The Public Works Department Minister, Mr Churchill Alemao clarified that he has done no wrong to anyone in the state and on the contrary has tried to ease the problems. He denied any scam in distribution of water tanks, even as he informed that Mr Damodar Naik, the Fatorda MLA, had sought 100 such tanks but refused to take them when they were made available to him.

The leader of opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar, Mr Milind Naik, Mr Shyam Satardekar and Mr Pandurang Dhavlikar spoke on the motion. The motion of thanks was approved by the state assembly by voice vote.