Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Sep 7: Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai has ruled out offering freebies ahead of the elections, while promising to raise spending on education to 6% of the state’s gross domestic product (GSDP).

Questioning the motive behind the Goa Ujjwala Yojana, which provides financial assistance equivalent to the cost of three domestic LPG refills annually, Sardesai said the party would instead focus on long-term development.

“Our commitment is that we will spend 6% of the gross state domestic product (GSDP) on the education sector. We will bring in good educators and provide them stability in their jobs,” he said. The current allocation for education is around 3.5%.

Sardesai alleged that the Goa Ujjwala Yojana, promised by the BJP in 2022 and launched this week, was designed to influence voters ahead of the elections. The scheme is currently valid for only one financial year, he pointed out.

He also questioned the exclusion of beneficiaries of schemes such as the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS), Griha Aadhaar and Laadli Laxmi from the LPG assistance.

“Welfare schemes are brought in to benefit the downtrodden and the poor. Are senior citizens who are no longer earning and benefiting from the Griha Aadhaar or Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana not using gas, and don’t they need this scheme?” he asked.

Sardesai said Goans would not be swayed by free schemes and claimed that what works in Bihar would not necessarily work in Goa.

“GFP will not give any freebies. Goans want clean candidates, good legislators who are not corrupt, who do not squeeze people and who will not sell jobs,” he said.

He added that voters wanted political leaders who could tackle unemployment, provide stable jobs for teachers and educators and increase investment in the education sector.

Sardesai also said traditional tactics such as distributing chicken biryani and alcohol among voters would not influence the electorate every time.