Exactly a month back in Candolim a public Rally followed by a public meeting (photo shown below) was organized by the Candoikars under the leadership of a few youth from Candolim and the same was supported by Mr. Prakash of Pilerne Forum and Mr. Edwin of NGO from Verem. This was done to raise the voice of the Candolim people against the exorbitant rate of daily wages the migrant labourers are charging to the locals. During the public meeting addressed by the local youth leaders and also by Prakash and Edwin it looked that this move will move ahead till government succumbs to the demand of the locals. But No, the government has ignored the voice of the Candolim people and this movement makers who threatened the government has now turned into pale cockroaches thereby showing how cowards and cheats they are. They have cheated the Candolim locals of the confidence they had in their leaders.
In this connection this writer has contacted Mr. Prakash to ascertain his views on this subject but he refused to accept his responsibility on what he spoke(as indicated down below) adding that he spoke as indicated on the assurance of Candolim leaders that they will not keep silent until the results are acquired. Then Prakash said he was surprised not to get response from the Candolim leaders to his calls making the whole scenario very bizarre. The ten days deadline given to the government to right the wrong was already over but nothing seems to be moving further.
According to one source, the sudden full stop by the Candolim leaders who initiated this movement from moving ahead was due to the pressure brought-in by the top local political leaders who want to close this movement in its infancy only. Another story is also making a round saying that money power was also used to purchase the local initiators of this movement. When this writer brought this news of money power to the notice of Mr. Prakash, he too agreed to have heard this story circulating around. On further questioning the authenticity of this story, Prakash said “anything is possible and more so because the Candolim initiators of this movement abruptly gone into hibernation.
There is a saying in Konkani which says“Lokhnacho Vavr Undrak Konne Sangla?”. The Candolim youth leaders who came forward to initiate this movement acted like immature kids. To organize any movement is not a joke. Any Ladru – Pedru without firm roots on the ground cannot make a movement. This is not a game of Marbles playing, instead to do any movement you require solid “Marbles” in your Pants.
It is hoped now that all those who were on the forefront to organize this movement will be forthcoming with their response.
In their speeches, all the speakers especially Edwin and Prakash demanded from Goa government and especially from the Labour Minister for whom the organizers have already submitted their memorandum of demands, to streamline the daily wages of the migrant labourers with the instruction to follow these wages very rigidly. They have also requested the government to display the Wage Rates at the strategic locations not only in Candolim but also all over Goa. Mr. Prakash in his hard hitting speech demanded action from the government on this issue within the next 10 days failing which this campaign will be spread all over Goa.