Porvorim: With the families of Freedom Fighters resorting to Hunger Strike demanding government jobs for their members, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday assured to fulfill by this Financial Year end.
Sawant told the ongoing State Legislative Assembly that the demands placed by the Families of Freedom Fighters would be solved by March 31, 2021.
Several family members of Freedom Fighters, who fought to Liberate Goa from Portuguese rule, have sat for fast-unto-death at historic Azad Maidan in the state capital.
Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte on Wednesday raised the issue on the floor of the House during Zero Hour.
Khaunte pointed that 250 members of the freedom fighters’ families are yet to get the government jobs, due to frequently changing government policies over the matter.
He said that some of the children have become ‘ineligible’ for the government jobs because of the age factor. Khaunte demanded that they may be given One Time Settlement (OTS) (through financial benefit) while those who are ‘eligible’ may be considered for the jobs.
Khaunte said that solving their issue would be biggest tribute to the sacrifices of the freedom fighters when we celebrate 60 years of liberation.
Responding to the issue, the Chief Minister said that state government has reached out to the striking families assuring them to provide 23 jobs immediately, while rest would be settled by March 31, 2021.
He said that the job vacancies can be provided through Goa Human Development Corporation. “We have given the assurance but the striking family members want government to give it in writing,” Sawant said.
“If that is the case, we will also seek in writing from the association representing families that there will be no more claims of jobs after 250 cases are settled,” he said.
