24x7 helpline for Goans in West Asia within 2 days: Goa CM

Porvorim: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Monday, during calling attention on the condition of Goans caught in the West Asia conflict, said that govt helpline for NRGs and the diaspora community will be turned into 24X7 line within two days for their assistance.

Later in the day, the home department announced the special control room number 0832-2419818.

Sawant said that two families have already been provided assistance to return safely to India. He said his govt is continuously liaisioning with the ministry of external affairs over any such cases coming to the state administration’s notice.
MLAs raised the issue of the Goans residing in West Asia and the panic and stress they are currently subjected to due to the uncertainties brought by the conflict between US, Israel and Iran.


Benaulim MLA Venzy Veigas said that an elderly man Seby Mascarenhas had passed away in Saudi Arabia and his family needs help transport his body by road to Doha so it can be flown to Goa for the final rites. The CM promised assistance in the case.

Veigas said that he had immediately set up a helpline for those Goans stuck in the conflict and said that the govt should take over the efforts. He also said that a platform is needed to broadcast continuous and reliable updates on the conflict and available assistance to the diaspora.
The MLA said that 2.5 lakh Goans are residing and working in the different countries of West Asia.

The CM said that govt is concerned over the situation and is maintaining a cautious watch. Though the situation is volatile but no need to panic at present, he said. Sawant also said that a meeting of chief secretaries of all states was held on Monday by the Union ministry and that especially those stranded in transit or short duration visits will get assistance.

Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said that the conflict could lead to shortage of commercial LPG and affect tourism business in Goa. He said that if the war continues then the remittances to Goa from those working abroad will stop and may lead to return of thousands from the diaspora, which will impact the Goan economy.
Sawant said that for at least a month no shortage of commercial LPG is expected in Goa.

St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said that Kerala has put a strategic system in place to track diaspora and offer them assistance, and said that Goa should plan something on the same lines.

Leader of opposition Yuri Alemao said that states like Maharashtra have already started evacuating its people, and Goa is the only state which has not yet begun evacuating its people out yet from West Asia.