Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: BJP MLA and Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho today defended state governments decision to grant public holiday on Karnataka Polls days stating that they are just following a regular practice.
“People are simply doing politics over this issue. This is not the first time that a holiday has been declared. Other states too have declared public holidays when there are polls in Goa. I have the notifications of other states,” said Godinho
He further said that Karnataka government had also given paid holiday last year when election was held for Goa Legislative Assembly seats.
In a circular on Monday, Goa government decreed that May 10 will be a paid holiday owing to elections for Karnataka Legislative Assembly.
The holiday will be applicable to government servants as well as private employees like industrial workers and daily wage employees.
Goa State Industries Association President Damodar Kochkar has termed the government’s decision as ‘absurd’.
“Industries in Goa feel this is an absolutely absurd and stupid decision…taking industries to ransom for electoral gains,”
However, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has justified the paid holiday stating that there are previous instances of neighbouring States declaring holidays for employees on Election Day.
Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) president Ralph De Sousa said that it is highly deplorable to declare a paid holiday in the State whose neighbouring State is going for general Assembly elections.
“GCCI disapproves such decisions which undermine the interest of the Goan industry, trade and business. Government can still explore many alternatives available in consultation with the industry bodies, to serve everybody’s purpose in a win-win manner,” he said.
