Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar has said the government needs to examine the legal and contractual obligations before deciding whether to discontinue the smart meter project.
He said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has already put the smart meter specifications on hold. However, Dhavalikar maintained that any further decision would require a detailed assessment of the project’s clauses and legal provisions. He said the government could not scrap the initiative merely in response to demands from the Congress or other political parties.
Defending the need for technological advancement, Dhavalikar said computerisation and Artificial Intelligence would play an increasingly significant role in the future. He stressed that Goa must keep pace with technological changes taking place across the country.
Addressing complaints over electricity bills, the minister claimed that the billing system had improved by nearly 99 per cent. He said consumers who continue to face difficulties could approach him directly to raise their grievances.
On the possibility of Sunil joining the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Dhavalikar said the party remains part of the ruling alliance and is committed to coalition responsibilities. He pointed out that Sunil is currently a Zilla Panchayat member and would have to resign from the elected position as required by law before formally joining the party. Further discussions, he said, could take place after the necessary formalities are completed.
Dhavalikar also congratulated newly inducted Minister Sankalp Amonkar, expressing confidence that he would work for society and the welfare of the farming community.
Reacting to questions about the absence of employees during Water Resources Minister Subhash Shirodkar’s surprise inspection of a government office, Dhavalikar said every Head of Department was responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of their respective departments.
He added that whenever a minister personally intervenes in a departmental matter, the concerned HoD must take immediate cognisance and initiate appropriate action.
