Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar today faced criticism in the state Assembly on the issue of lifeguards, who had struck work for a fortnight before joining duties yesterday.
The issue was raised in the House by BJP legislator Michael Lobo representing Calangute constituency, who brought to the attention of the Assembly that the beaches were left unmanned for over a fortnight due to the strike.
Lobo said this is for second time in the recent past that lifeguards have agitated as Tourism Department failed to meet their demands.
"Last time, the Tourism Minister (Dilip Parulekar) had assured them of fulfilling their demands, but he failed to keep up the promise. Now at least this time the government should keep up the word," the legislator told the House.
Joining the discussion, Independent legislator Vijai Sardessai pointed out that a senior official from Drishti Lifesaving Services, which has been given the contract to tender lifeguarding services, had termed Goans as being fit only to be waiters during a press conference.
"We demand an apology from Drishti over this issue," Sardessai said.
Responding to the discussion, Parulekar said all the demands of lifeguards are settled.
"And if Drishti's official has uttered a word against Goans, I will cross check it and ask him to tender an apology," the minister said.
