Goa’s Pernem Locals Disappointed with CM Sawant Since Job Promises at Manohar Parrikar Airport Don’t Materialize
As the much-anticipated Manohar Parrikar Airport in Goa’s Pernem has finally opened, the town of Pednekar is experiencing a wave of disappointment as the promises of job possibilities have not materialized.
Many people feel cheated and upset since Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant promised to provide employment to locals during the airport’s presentation more than a year ago.
When the airport first opened, there was a noticeable buzz, particularly among the young people of Pernem who saw it as a potential source of jobs. But since then, their hope has faded as the promised employment have not materialized. Pednekars’ sense of marginalization is being exacerbated by concerns that people from Sawant’s own constituency of Sanquelim are receiving preferential treatment.
Locals recently expressed their dissatisfaction, calling on Union minister and BJP candidate for North Goa, Shripad Naik, to step in and make sure Pednekars are given an equitable opportunity with airlines using the airport.
Ramakanth Khalap, the Congress candidate for the Goa North Lok Sabha seat, referred to the pledge as dishonest in response to the growing pressure. Khalap said, “Jobs were promised for Pednekars, but those at the MOPA airport have gone to residents of Maharashtra or individuals from neighboring Talukas like Bicholim and Sanquelim. This is a breach of Pednekars’ confidence. In the approaching Lok Sabha elections, he pointed out that people would vote against the BJP, emphasising the negative effects of this disappointment.
In addition to undermining confidence in local leadership, Manohar Parrikar Airport’s inability to fulfill job pledges has had wider political ramifications. The community is struggling with sentiments of disappointment, and people are prepared to hold their leaders responsible for falling short of expectations as the next elections approach.
For the time being, the disenchanted citizens of Pernem are unsure of their future.
