MUMBAI/PANAJI: Academic and industry think tank CPIE India (Centre for Promoting Indian Economy) is conducting a survey and study of MLAs across all constituencies in Goa ahead of the forthcoming Assembly polls.
Based on the findings of its research and constituency-level surveys, CPIE India will release a detailed “Goa MLAs Report Card”, which will rank the state’s MLAs on their performance in their respective constituencies as well as their availability and accessibility to constituents and voters.
A common concern raised by voters is that some MLAs become less accessible to the public after being elected to power. In certain instances, MLAs have also been elected on one political platform and subsequently changed their political alliance or affiliation. According to CPIE India, when such a change occurs, voters who supported the MLA based on the original political party and its symbol may find themselves disconnected from the MLA after the political switch.
Speaking about the Goa MLAs Report Card, Charleston Fernandes, a spokesperson for CPIE India, said, “We are conducting our research and surveys across various constituencies in Goa. The surveys are confidential, and those being surveyed will not be informed that a survey is being conducted. This is intended to ensure that respondents do not manipulate their answers and are able to express themselves openly and freely.”
He added that CPIE India plans to speak to at least 200 voters in each constituency to obtain representative sample feedback.
“The Goa MLAs Report Card will also examine which of the present or sitting MLAs are likely to form the next batch of MLAs and who may not get another opportunity, based on the feedback received from voters,” Fernandes said.
On the prospects of new political faces, Fernandes said that predicting their chances through a sample survey is comparatively difficult.
“When it comes to new faces, it is a little difficult to predict based on a sample survey. However, a sitting MLA has a track record covering the past five years. Some have been elected for several terms, and their work on the ground, as well as their rapport with voters, can be surveyed and extrapolated more easily,” he said.
Who or What is CPIE India?
The Centre for Promoting Indian Economy, or CPIE India, is an economic, financial, trade and environmental think tank in India. The organisation undertakes research and surveys and also works with farmers, craftsmen, artisans, villagers and rural and forest communities.
CPIE India is based in Mumbai and has chapters in Goa, Pune, Lucknow and New Delhi. The organisation conducts field research and prepares impact reports covering public infrastructure, domestic markets and environmental issues. Its work has included ecological surveys concerning river pollution in Goa.
To date, CPIE India has released several reports on environmental pollution in Goa, including studies on microplastic pollution in the Mandovi River, the Sal River and other water bodies.
The organisation is also involved with Social Help Groups (SHGs) in Goa, including the Goemcho Goenkar team, with the objective of promoting traditional crafts and livelihoods. Its work includes supporting traditional practices such as Kunbi fabric weaving, kitchen gardening, and crab and prawn farming.
In Lucknow, CPIE India works with chikankari artisans, helping them continue their age-old traditional weaving and embroidery practices. The initiative aims to preserve the craft, which is increasingly losing ground to mechanized and computer-aided sewing techniques, leaving traditional embroidery craftsmen without sustainable livelihoods.
Most, if not all, of the experts and field workers associated with CPIE India work on an honorary basis, contributing their time and expertise. They are otherwise associated with reputed organisations and institutions across different parts of India.