Parsekar closes ‘file’ of Khalap’s Mandrem College in the Assembly debate
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 18 March 2016 22:18 IST
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar appears to have closed the ‘file’ of his political opponent Ramakant Khalap’s Mandrem College, by once again categorically denying him grants.
Khalap, along with the people of Mandrem, had staged a chain hunger strike at Azad Maidan during the Assembly session, pressing for the demand of releasing grants to his college at Mandrem.
The issue was raised by Khalap’s Congress leader Digambar Kamat in the House today.
However, CM Parsekar played the same tune and emphatically refused to approve him grants.
In fact the government has also withdrawn the NOC granted to the college, based on which Goa University has decided to withdraw the affiliation granted to his college.
“The academic council of Goa University has already taken a decision not allowing fresh enrolment for First Year BCom for the next academic year”, Parsekar told the Assembly today.
He said the college would run till the existing batches of second and third year pass out, which means for the next two years.
“I am prepared to transport the students from Mandrem to the Government College at Virnoda, so that people from Mandrem don’t suffer”, he said.
Kamat as well as other opposition members requested the CM to release grants for Khalap’s college on humanitarian grounds rather than posing legal and technical arguments.
This included even opposition leader Pratapsing Rane as well as Vijai Sardesai, Alex Reginald Lourenco and Pandurang Madkaikar.
Citing examples of other colleges being allowed in the close vicinity, opposition members also requested not to make it a political issue and discriminate.
However, Parsekar remained firm stating that the issue is neither of distance nor political but the strength of students which Khalap’s college does not have.
While minimum strength requirement is 100, it has crossed the number this year only because of more students passing out at higher secondary exams and the similar scenario would not continue in future.
He also appealed to the opposition members to visit the campus of Khalap’s college, verify whether the basic infrastructural facilities are available and then come back.
He also refuted the allegation of Khalap being denied grants because of his own college.
“He runs BCom College while mine are Ba BEd and BSc BEd. Also compare my campus with his and decide”
Parsekar also clarified that the government does not have any record of assuring him to release grants from the second year.
“I asked my predecessor (Manohar Parrikar) why he gave permission and he said: Bhai Khalap requested me because his Congress government had denied him permission and he would run the college without grants”, said Parsekar.
