Says decisions not taken on basis of memos or protests
PANAJI
Amid retired Justice Ferdino Rebello’s “Enough is Enough” call over contentious land-use changes, Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister Vishwajit Rane on Monday indicated that the government is not inclined to scrap the controversial Section 39A of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act pertaining to zone changes.
Without directly addressing demands for its repeal, Rane asserted that policy decisions would not be taken on the basis of memorandums or public protests.
“The government does not take decisions based on memorandums or agitations. We are elected representatives vested with legislative powers to debate and pass laws in the Assembly,” he said.
Rane’s remarks come against the backdrop of mounting criticism from civil society groups and prominent citizens, including Justice Ferdino Rebello, who has launched the “Enough is Enough” movement with a 10-point charter of demands highlighting concerns over alleged rampant land conversions and environmental degradation.
“Just because someone is demanding something, the government cannot take a decision. In a democracy, everyone has the right to put forward their demands or submit memorandums. But the government does not function like that. Section 39A is legislation passed in the Assembly in the presence of all MLAs. Any decision has to be taken through the legislative route,” Rane said.
The Minister further remarked that those seeking change are free to join politics and pursue reform through electoral means. “People cannot force the government to act by coming on the streets. I can get 10,000 people from Sattari and show. But it does not work like that,” he added.
Justice Rebello, former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, had last month submitted his charter of demands to the Chief Minister and is currently mobilising support from across sections of society. Among those who have extended support are former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and former Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay Oka.
