Porvorim, Nov 5 (TOI): People in Goa may be still pinning their hopes on the state getting special status, but it appears to be a closed chapter for chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar.

Terming special status as something which can't be achieved, Parsekar said he would not like to waste his energy working on something that is unattainable.

"There are other options available to protect the interest of Goa and Goans, which my government has tried to tap," he said, while speaking to mediapersons on Wednesday evening after it was pointed out to him that Union finance minister Arun Jaitley had dismissed Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar's pitch for special status for Bihar. Jaitley reportedly claimed that the demand is no longer relevant after the constitutional award by the 14th Finance Commission for sharing of tax resources between the Centre and states.

Interestingly, one of the prominent promises made by the BJP to voters in Goa ahead of the 2012 assembly elections was "special status to Goa". BJP had initially raised the issue of special status when it was in opposition.

"I will like to get special status for Goa," Parsekar said but see no point in pursuing it. I would rather concentrate on availing every opportunity available to protect Goa's interest, he said. My government has made it a point to see that only green industries are permitted in the state and secondly, their focus is on employment to locals, the CM said.

For instance, he said, for the greenfield international airport at Mopa, a successful bidder will be required to train Goans during the 30-year period of concession, extendable by another 30 years.