Vijai Sardesai along with Manohar Parrikar will take Goa forward.

On the scale of 1-10 how would you rate the performance of the government?

I would rate the government 7 out of 10. We are just four months into the governance and I feel that the government supported by my party Goa Forward is doing pretty well. We can say that this government can be termed as ‘sabka saath sabka vikas with flavour of Goemkarponn’ in it.

How do you rate the performance of your ministry?

I rate the performance of my ministry 5 out of 10.When I took over as the minister the department was in a mess. There was no discipline. I am trying to bring in a corporate style work culture. I have clearly sent out a message that it would be ‘perform or perish’ for the officers in my department.

Do you think the government will complete its full tenure?

This government is for Goem Goemkar Goemkarponn and it would complete the term. Vijai Sardesai along with Manohar Parrikar will take Goa forward.

Is it difficult for Goa Forward party to join hands with BJP and rule the state?

Not at all. Instead we are in a better position to work. If we had allied with Congress to form the government, we would have seen musical chairs every day.

What can we expect from your ministry in near future?

I am trying to bring in a significant change. We are working towards introducing schemes which would help individuals, farmers etc. I urge the Goan youth to come forward and register themselves as contractors, and my department would help them to build their careers while working towards the betterment of the state. I am trying to streamline the department. My target is to make department paperless, I mean online web portal for scheme etc. so that people sitting at homes can apply for the schemes and they would get the approval through emails.

Do you think that fisheries sector can be developed in a big way?

Fisheries can be developed in a big way. I have lots of things in my mind, I would discuss the same with my leader Vijai Sardesai and take it forward

How much time did you take to understand your portfolios?

It just took 20 days to get hold of my department

Is the presence of Parrikar as Chief Minister helping you?

He is a statesman, an experienced legislator and a leader for decades now. He has an excellent bonding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I am sure it would benefit Goa in a big way.

Team TNV