PANAJI
Calangute MLA and Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Michael Lobo, has said that agricultural and orchard lands can’t be sold to non-Goans in the State.
Lobo said, “We need to bring a legislation to stop sale of agricultural and orchard land to non-Goans. Goans means those who have completed 25 years in Goa and they can produce a domicile certificate to this effect.”
“Goa being a small state, agricultural and orchard land cannot be sold to non-Goans. They (non-Goans) can only buy sanad land, flats and bungalows as an Indian,” Lobo continued.
He further said, “There wouldn’t be political will for this statement of mine. But, we have to do it if we are talking about love for Goa and Goans. Why are we not ready to accept that non-Goans are existing in Goa? Every politician, when you talk about it, keeps quiet because they think it’s their vote bank. I have not created any vote bank here. Why am I being shown in the red? At least now bring a legislation (to stop sale of agricultural and orchard land to non-Goans). I am for it. I am a Goan. Don’t paint me red. When we talk the fact, some people don’t like it.” Lobo said that he has taking up this issue in the assembly all the time, but lamented that no progress has happened. He said, “In 2012, I am on record. I am bringing this issue in every assembly. When I will be in the government, I will do it. So you all bring me in the government, I will do it. This is required.”
Lobo appeared hopeful that there will be a law banning sale of agricultural and orchard land to non-Goans in near future. He said, “Within next 3-4 years, this will happen, I am sure.”
‘I will go to the US to meet Chief Minister’
PANAJI: Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has said that he will go to the US to meet Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
When asked when he will go, Lobo replied, “I don’t know when that is. We will go, I will go.” When asked if he is in touch with Parrikar’s family, Lobo answered in the negative.
When media persons asked Lobo to give some updates on Parrikar’s health, he said, “No, I can’t give an update because I also don’t know…. when he landed and everything. He is in the hospital. I think depending on his health, he will phone the Centre (the central government) on mining issue.”
