Rupesh Samant

Panaji, May 11: While claiming that all the existing social security schemes introduced by the State government would be continued in his tenure, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said that he will not introduce any more such new schemes.

Sawant said that during his tenure as the chief minister, the stress would be given on making individuals ‘sustainable’ rather than depending on the government doles.

The Chief Minister clarified that the social welfare schemes, which were introduced by his predecessor Parrikar, would not be discontinued.

“All the schemes that were introduced by Manohar Parrikar-led government will continue. Parrikar had also stressed on creation of infrastructure as the focus for the development. I would like to add to it and add an aspect of Human development,” Sawant said in an interview.

“You cannot achieve human development by giving them social welfare schemes. We need to implement the ideas of Human development and take care right from the career of a person to his employment. For that, we need to formulate schemes which will facilitate it,” he said.

“When you offer several social welfare schemes, sometimes, some people feel that it is their right to get the things free of cost from the government. The schemes in social sector have been considered as monthly payment by some of the people,” he said adding that the Senior citizens and widows are rightful beneficiary of such schemes.

Sawant said that some people are not looking at the schemes as “financial assistance given to them by the government.” “We need to bring everyone at a level of self sustainability,” he said.

“There will be no more additional social welfare schemes as we have already introduced so many of them. Instead we will have new policies would be decided,” he said.

Sawant said that his government would provide governance that aims to touch life of people in rural Goa.

“Several times, when I go through different files, I see what Manohar Parrikar has done about that issue. But that does not mean I would repeat the same thing. I will introduce new ideas to it,” he said.

“Basically, I belong to rural Goa and I have been with the most common people of the State. I always think what would be the impact of my steps on the life of these people. Parrikar was tallest leaders, so people were not expressing themselves to him but people express to me. I will consider people’s view,” he added.

Responding to a question, Sawant said that his government will not reverse any of the decisions taken by Parrikar-led government, but will further work on them to ensure that it benefits most common people.

“I will see whether there is real benefit of the schemes to the people and how much, it is impacting the treasury of the State… All these aspects would be considered,” he said.