PANAJI
On the backdrop of rising opposition to the IIT project at Shel-Melauli, the former Union minister Ramakant Khalap has suggested that the IIT project can be shifted to alternate sites. The minister has also suggested two sites for the project.
The former Union minister has written a letter with a suggestion to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Khalap has suggested Keri-Bhutkhamb land earlier acquired for the SEZ project and Taleigao land which was acquired earlier for IT habitat that can be used for the IIT complex.
“Locals are opposing the IIT project at Shel-Melauli. The government should respect the local feelings and decide to set up IIT at alternate sites,” suggested Khalap.
Khalap also demanded that the government should give ownership rights to the poor tenants who are tilling the land for ages.
“As per the Land Revenue Code, 1968, government can regularise ownership of the people who are tilling the land or who have encroached the land. Using this law, the government should give ownership to the Melauli people,” suggested Khalap.
