Monsoon session of Goa Assembly to commence tomorrow

The monsoon session of the Goa Assembly will begin tomorrow with the opposition parties planning to corner the BJP-led government on the issues like non-resumption of mining operations and use of formalin in fish.

The session, which will have 12 working days, is scheduled to culminate on August 3.

This session assumes significance as the budget session held in February this year had to be cut short from 22 days to four days owing to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's ill-health. The budget had been passed without discussion on the floor of the House at that time.

Now, the government will hold discussion on the budget, during which Parrikar is expected to spell out his programmes and policies.

The state government, in a bid to avoid embarrassment on the issue of formalin found in fish, today banned the import of this food staple from outside the state till the end of this month. Parrikar's announcement came a day before the session.

During the session, the opposition has decided to corner the government on the issues like formalin in fish, amendment to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), amendment to Town and Country Planning act, failure to resume mining activity and poor condition of roads.

The legislative department has said that total 1,868 questions would be tabled during the session, including 1,134 unstarred questions. The session will witness tabling of 10 bills.

The government will propose amendments to the Goa Lokayukta Act, Environment (Protection) Act, Health Act and Municipality Act. Bills related to revenue and agriculture would also tabled during the session.