By Yusuf A Sheik
Panaji, May 9: The Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat inaugurated Goa Study Group in the distinguished presence of Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Eduardo Faleiro, who presided over the function at Dona Paula on Saturday, May 8.
In his welcome address, Yusuf A. Sheik, president of Goa Study Group said that the organization has been formed with the objectives to study the problems faced by the world community in meeting the problems of life and prepare a platform for discussion on related matters; to come in closer contact with people in different parts of the world and build atmosphere of understanding; to extend help to the worldwide community of Goans for better living, strive for exchange of ideas for human development and progress and to work for incurring feeling for harmonious living and motivate people to take up development activities.
Speaking on the occasion, Kamat appreciated the objectives of the study group. As regards ‘migration,’ the topic for the seminar, the Chief Minister said that the migration happens because there is a vacuum left in the state. Goans don’t want to do low category jobs but want white collar jobs only.
He cited an incident about how ITI-trained boys who were inducted in the electricity department, refused to climb the street poles saying that they were ITI qualified and climbing the street poles was not their job. The vacuum left here is naturally filled up by the people who are willing to do these type of work.
Kamat said the contribution made by the migrants towards our economic development cannot be overlooked . In his presidential address, Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Eduardo Faleiro said that he was examining the possibility of creating a ‘Global Goan Knowledge Network’, an electronic platform for transfer of knowledge from NRGs to institutions in Goa. The network would connect Goan expatriates and people of Goan-origin abroad recognised as leaders in their respective fields with knowledge users at Goa-level. Faleiro said that he would discuss the viability of this project with Sam Pitroda, the chairman of the National Knowledge Commission during his next visit to Delhi. He said that Goa Study Group should articulate the views and suggestions of the civil society towards sustainable development in our state.
He also said that he had prepared a scheme whereby Goan expatriates including those residing elsewhere in India, who have distinguished themselves in the technological and economic fields could be co-opted as members of boards and corporations in Goa. He said he has already suggested to the state government names of some eminent Goans for this purpose.
The Commissioner for NRI Affairs recalled that in August 2008, the Legislative Assembly of Goa had passed an unanimous resolution recommending that the state government take up with the Centre the need to provide special status to Goa. Specific reference was made in the resolution to the need for regulating ownership and transfer of land especially with respect to sale of land to foreigners and people from outside state. This matter, he said, should be taken up with the Government of India with determination and urgency.
Vice Admiral John D’Silva, ex-MLA, Victor Gonsalves, Director of International Centre Goa, Nandini Sahai spoke on the occasion.
Pandarinath Damodar Lotlikar proposed a vote of thanks. Dephnie Pires compered. Chief Secretary, Sanjay Srivastava, DC and Secretary (Information and Publicity) Narendra Kumar, Director of Information and Publicity, Menino Peres, former Deputy Speaker of Goa Simon D’Souza, former Speaker, Tomazinho Cardozo and others were present on the occasion.