Panaji, July 21:
Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai raised strong objections in the Goa Legislative Assembly over the growing influx of Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols into the state, warning that the trend is severely impacting the livelihoods of traditional Goan artisans and threatening the cultural fabric of Goa.
Addressing the House, Sardesai expressed concern that local idol-makers are being pushed out of business due to unchecked imports and the government’s lack of enforcement. “Our Goan artisans are giving up their craft because no one is protecting them,” he lamented.
He urged the government to take immediate steps to safeguard the interests of local artisans by creating a dedicated market space where they can sell eco-friendly clay idols directly to the public. “If we don’t act now, this beautiful Goan tradition will also disappear,” Sardesai warned.
The Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, acknowledged the issue and assured the Assembly that the government would strengthen border checks and take necessary action to regulate the entry of PoP idols into Goa.
Reaffirming his commitment to Goemkarponn, Sardesai emphasized that the Goa Forward Party would continue to stand by the people of Goa, their traditions, and their right to a sustainable livelihood.
