Goa Assembly pays homage to ex-Governor Jacob

Panaji, Jan 14: Goa Assembly today condoled the death of the state's former Governor Lt Gen J F R Jacob (Retd), who passed away in Delhi due to old age complications.

"Ideally we would have declared today as a holiday condoling his death but it would have been against his philosophy so we flew the flag half-mast," Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar told the House. The Chief Minister said, "Jacob showed how the government should be responsive and responsible."

The House paid a one-minute homage to the former state Governor who held the office between April 1998 and November 1999 when Goa was under President's rule. The members recalled Jacob's contribution towards preservation of Goa's environment through his decision to notify two areas –- Mhadei (209 square kms) and Netravati (211 square kms) -- as wildlife sanctuaries.

Parsekar said it would not have been possible for any political party to take such a bold decision to declare these areas as wildlife sanctuaries.

Leader of Opposition Pratapsingh Rane recalling Jacob's contribution to Goa mentioned that the decision to declare wildlife sanctuaries did not go well with the local people. The condolence motion was moved by BJP legislator Siddharth Kuncalienkar.

Other members, including Rajendra Arlekar, Nilesh Cabral (both BJP), Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco (Congress) and Independent legislator Vijai Sardessai, spoke on the motion. Jacob (92) breathed his last yesterday at the army hospital in Delhi.

PTI