As we embark on a new year – keeping away the scars of the last one – one cannot but think of what Goa ought to be doing in a year that may well be defining, especially because the economy post covid seems to be limping back to normalcy.
But I have my fears here – quite simply because this is a year that will culminate into the State Assembly Elections in 2022. And if I know Goa right, there will be protests and more protests – be it in the garb of saving Goa or as a war cry against the government. Some of the protests are justified and must be respected as the voice of people. However, we need to see the politics behind some and keep them away from playing with the economy.
To avoid such protests, it is also incumbent on the government to be discerning in its approach of policy making. Goa being a small State, and in my opinion, over-governed, the government cannot hide under the canopy of not getting a feel of the pulse if a project may attract public consternation or not. Public projects are about people and not about some minister’s ego or vested interest. Backtracking on such initiatives are not just costly in terms on sunken funds, but also of wasted time.
People also must understand that the world today is a vastly different place than what it was perhaps a decade ago. Being in the comfortable cocoon of Goa, we are often insulated from the disruptive changes that the world has seen – especially in terms of the businesses that are calling the shots on the economic canvas. The old economy war horses have been retired by a young and restless bunch of tech invaders. Goa and Goans need to pay heed to the changes and not let this opportunity of a truly flat world pass us by. I am at loss of words when we wish to do away with the establishment of a premier educational institute like the IIT in Goa. Of course, big projects like this will mean collateral damage and demographic change. But then the benefits of housing an institution that stands for excellence will also be manifold – and not only from the economic sense of the term.
The perils of playing politics, by the incumbent as well as of the opposition, will do more harm than good for the State as I am yet to zoom into any visionary leader from the political class that is ruling the roost in Goa.
Take for example the fact that it is now seven long years that Goa was to see the launch of app-based taxi service. The time frame that we have been wrangling with is akin to one revolution in the disruptive economy that we are living as global citizens. Three years ago, we did not have food delivery apps in the State. Today, it seems unimaginable to live without seeking out the services of one. We also are enjoying the ease of paying for most of our services online, or even buying grocery and fish through our mobile handsets. Technology is a great leveller and an agent of change. I wonder how long will we be at the ransom of taxi unions and the politicians who pander to their whims? In what civilised part of world do taxi drivers get thrashed for driving a government supported brand of service? Why do Goans seem to place a disproportionate sense of entitlement and of exclusion?
Talking to some of the movers and shakers of the Goan entrepreneurial ecosystem, one common lament that seems to resonate with many of them is about the fact that it is getting increasingly difficult to make businesses run in the State. Second is the issue of qualified Goans who do not wish to remain in the State to earn their bread.
We must buck this trend and put the laggard attitude behind us. ‘Susegado’ is no excuse to not be nimble footed and competitive.
Let us hope that this year is happy and prosperous for you. Keep working!
