Allies imprint in CMP, a BJP touch to Goenkarponn?

PANAJI: The common minimum programme of the Manohar Parrikar-led coalition government likely to be announced on Sunday may see a reversal of some of the decisions taken by the BJP government between 2012 and 2016. While the broad theme will be ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas with Goenkarponn’, it seems the CMP will have the BJP allies’ stamp on it with declaration of coconut tree as the state tree, amending agricultural tenancy Act and review of Investment Promotion Board (IPB) Act.
In the run up to the assembly elections, BJP’s post-poll allies—Goa Forward Party, Maharshatrawadi Gomantak Party and Independents—had promised that these three main decisions of the erstwhile BJP government would be reversed if elected to power.
“These issues were discussed before the formation of the government and the chief minister had agreed on them,” said a member of the coalition.
The 11-point common programme will emphasise on Goenkarponn with the focus on employment that will provide jobs to locals in the industry and also in the tourism sector.
On March 14, when the government was formed, Parrikar had said the CMP would be decided within a month, which was postponed for the Statehood Day. But on May 30, the chief minister said that in view of the code of conduct in force for panchayat polls, the CMP would be declared on Revolution Day—June 18.
Parrikar held discussions with leaders of alliance partners on Friday to finalise the CMP and assured them that Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas along with Gonekarponn would be the thrust of the common programme.
It was agreed upon by the allies to provide boost to agriculture, industry and tourism by providing incentives. Infrastructure, education and health will also be the thrust areas of the coalition government. Emphasis will also be laid on creating necessary infrastructure for world class sports events. Comprehensive mobility plan on public transport is also likely to be part of the CMP.
There is a broad consensus among the allies on the medium of instruction (MOI) policy as they are firm not to make any changes to the present policy, which includes continuing grants to 130-odd English medium primary schools.
As housing is become very expensive, the allies want special hubs created for “affordable housing”. The alliance partners are in favour of Regional Plan for 2030.
Not to lose face on the casino issue, the allies want the government to expedite steps to get the offshore casino vessels to be shifted out of the Mandovi. In view of the proposal for nationalisation of rivers—an issue they had taken up in a big way before the elections, the allies want the control in the hands of the state government.
Till early Saturday evening, the allies were waiting for the final draft copy even as they were confident that the issues raised by them would be incorporated in the CMP.