Panaji/Mumbai : Accompanied by a doctor and his son, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar left for US to continue his further medical treatment, by a special flight from Mumbai at around 1:30am.
Since he would remain away from the country for nearly six weeks, Parrikar made complete arrangements by forming a three ministers’ team of Ramkrishna Dhavlikar, Vijai Sardesai and Francis D’Souza to advise the State administration in his absence.
As a government protocol, the CM has written to the Goa Governor Mridula Sinha informing about the arrangements made during his absence and that he would also chair cabinet meetings via video conferencing or by circulation. However, if he is unable to do so, Parrikar will appoint a minister to head the council of ministers.
“The meeting of council of ministers when held shall be presided over by me through video conferencing or by circulation. If that is not feasible for any reason or as I may decide at a later point of time, the minister nominated by me shall preside at a particular meeting of the council of ministers. I will separately instruct the Chief Secretary in such an exigent. Chief Secretary shall in consultation with Principal Secretary to CM prepare and fix the agenda to be placed before the said (Cabinet Advisory Committee) committee. The aforesaid committee may meet at least once every week, at such point time and place, and is empowered to decide unanimously amongst themselves on certain important financial year ending issues and/or other time bound/ emergent matters with regard to which the administration may be required total a decision upon in my absence and/or I may be required to refer and place the same before this committee,” he said in the letter submitted to the Governor minutes before his departure to Mumbai on Monday.
Parrikar has made it clear that no order on any major or important matter concerning Finance, Home, Personnel and General Administration (some of many portfolios which he handles) should be passed without his (Parrikar) approval.
Nonetheless the CAC, that may meet once every week till March 31, 2018, is however empowered to unanimously decide on certan important financial year ending issues and/or time bound/emergent issues in regards to which the administration may be required to take a decision in his absence and/or he may refer and palce the same before the committee. The committee should consult the Finance Department before taking a call on financial matters.
Before leaving for Mumbai on Monday, CM reached out to the people of Goa through a video message in which he thanked all for their wishes and prayers for good health.
“I thank all the people of Goa. For last 15 days, you all have been praying for me and my good health. It is only because of your blessings that I have recovered. For more recovery and as first round of treatment, I am going to Mumbai. And for complete recovery from the ailment, if doctors advise, then I may even travel out of India for treatment and get full treatment. During this period also, I want your full blessings. I am hopeful that you people will grant me holiday for my treatment,” he stated.
Parrikar was shifted to Lilavati on February 15 after he complained of stomach ache. He was diagnosed with pancreatitis ailment for which the treatment began and discharged on February 22 when on the very day he returned to Goa by a special chartered flight to present the Budget in the Legislative Assembly. He received a standing ovation from the members of the legislative assembly. He was then again taken to Goa medical college for dehydration and low blood pressure and discharged on March 1.
