Poriem MLA Dr. Deviya Rane delivered a powerful and impassioned speech in the Goa Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, strongly advocating for increased time allocation for elected representatives to address the critical issues facing their constituents.
In a display of assertive parliamentary activism, Dr. Rane underscored the fundamental importance of the Assembly as a vital platform for legislators to articulate the concerns, challenges, and developmental needs of the people they represent.
“As elected representatives, it is our solemn duty to ensure that the voices, challenges, and aspirations of our constituents are heard, debated, and addressed in a meaningful manner,” Dr. Rane stated during her address. She specifically appealed to the Deputy Speaker to grant more time for MLAs to present these pressing issues, emphasizing that the opportunity to raise public concerns effectively within the Assembly should not be curtailed.
Today in the Goa Legislative Assembly, I raised a strong voice on behalf of the people of Poriem-Sattari.
I urged the Hon’ble Deputy Speaker to allocate more time for us, the elected representatives, to present the pressing issues and developmental needs of our constituencies.… pic.twitter.com/Oinw3MD7bp
— Dr. Deviya Rane (@draneofficial) August 5, 2025
Dr. Rane’s speech resonated with the core principle of democratic representation, as she concluded by stating, “Let us never forget our democracy thrives when every voice is given a fair hearing.” Her remarks highlight an ongoing concern among legislators about the adequacy of time allotted for comprehensive discussion of local issues in parliamentary proceedings.
Goa Cracks Down On Illegal Dumping
The Goa Legislative Assembly has voted unanimously in favor of a new bill that brings strict provisions to deter illegal dumping of waste, empowering the authorities with additional punitive action such as hefty fines and imprisonment for offenders. The new law also authorizes police to seize vehicles used for illegal garbage dumping.
The Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was introduced by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the House on Monday, during the current monsoon session. Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira was not present at the time of introduction. After a thorough debate, the bill was unanimously passed by the Assembly.
Chief Minister Sawant informed that the new law modifies the current Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996. Some of the most significant changes include inserting new definitions like “bulk waste generator,” “waste collector,” and “materials recovery facility (MRF).” The bill also adds to the schedule of non-biodegradable waste by including more materials, like multilayer plastics, rubber, tetra packs, corrugated boxes, and jute.
Under the revised act, littering trash in public areas, into water bodies, or in drains is strictly prohibited. The owner, occupant, manufacturer, importer, and trademark holder are expected to ensure that non-biodegradable waste ends up in a take-back system authorized by the implementing agency.