Panaji, Aug 21: Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai has urged Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar to allot adequate time during the forthcoming Assembly session for a detailed discussion on three major issues — deteriorating road infrastructure, unemployment and the impact of unplanned development on Goa’s carrying capacity.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker on Thursday, Sardesai requested that the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) allot sufficient time to discuss these issues, which he described as matters of urgent public importance affecting the people and future of Goa.

Referring to the March 2026 Assembly session, Sardesai claimed that the government had curtailed the session citing the Model Code of Conduct imposed for the Ponda Assembly by-election. As a result, he said, the entire Budget for 2026-27 and Demands for Grants were passed without discussion.

Sardesai argued that the legislature is the principal forum for scrutiny of government policies, expenditure and decisions, and said passing the Budget and Demands without debate had deprived elected representatives of an opportunity to question the government and seek accountability.

Roads a public safety concern

Highlighting the deteriorating condition of roads across Goa, Sardesai said recurring potholes, inadequate maintenance and poor planning have become a serious public safety concern. He demanded that the government explain why roads continue to deteriorate and spell out measures being taken to address the problem.

Employment opportunities for Goan youth

The second issue raised by Sardesai is unemployment. He said Goa’s youth are increasingly concerned over the lack of adequate and sustainable employment opportunities.

He sought a discussion on the government’s employment policies, recruitment mechanisms and job creation, as well as measures to ensure fair employment opportunities for Goan youth within the state.

Carrying capacity and unplanned development

Sardesai also sought a debate on Goa’s carrying capacity amid what he termed unchecked construction and unplanned development.

He claimed that increasing development pressure is affecting Goa’s land, water resources, roads, waste-management systems and other infrastructure. The absence of a comprehensive carrying-capacity framework, he warned, could threaten the state’s environment, natural resources, identity and quality of life.

“These are State-wide issues which transcend political and constituency boundaries,” Sardesai stated in the letter, stressing that the people of Goa deserve answers and a clear roadmap from the government.

He urged the Speaker, as chairman of the Business Advisory Committee, to ensure adequate time for “meaningful legislative scrutiny” during the forthcoming session and expressed hope that the request would be considered in the spirit of parliamentary democracy.