The excitement around the much-anticipated inauguration of the Manohar Parrikar Airport in Goa’s Pernem has died down, with a wave of disillusionment sweeping over the Pednekar community as promises of employment opportunities remain unfulfilled.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s commitment to provide jobs to locals during the airport’s unveiling over a year ago is yet to materialise, leaving many feeling frustrated and betrayed.
The initial excitement surrounding the airport’s opening was palpable, especially among the youth of Pernem, who viewed it as a beacon of hope for employment. However, their optimism has since waned as the anticipated jobs have failed to materialise. There is growing concern that individuals from Sawant’s own constituency of Sanquelim have been given preferential treatment, exacerbating feelings of marginalisation among Pednekars.
Recently, a group of locals voiced their grievances, urging Union minister and BJP’s North Goa candidate, Shripad Naik, to intervene and ensure that Pednekars are given fair opportunities with airlines operating at the airport.
In response to the mounting pressure, Ramakanth Khalap, the Congress candidate for Goa North Lok Sabha constituency, called the promise fraudulent. Khalap said, “Jobs were promised for Pednekars, but those at the MOPA airport have been given to people from other Talukas like Bicholim and Sanquelim, or those residing in Maharashtra. This is a betrayal of trust towards Pednekars.” He emphasised the consequences of this disillusionment, noting that people will vote against the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The failure to deliver on promises of employment at the Manohar Parrikar Airport has not only eroded trust in local leadership but has also sparked broader political repercussions. As the community grapples with feelings of disappointment, the upcoming elections loom large, with voters poised to hold their representatives accountable for their unmet expectations.
For now, the fate of Pernem’s disillusioned residents hangs in the balance.
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