MARGAO
The Goa Bhumiputra Adhikarini Bill, 2021 was the centre of intense debate amongst the gram sabha members of Chinchinim village panchayat as they demanded immediate scrapping of the Bill.
The special gram sabha was convened as per the request of the villagers led by social activist Savio Lopes after the government bulldozed with the Bill in the just concluded session of the Goa Assembly, triggering outrage and protests in the state.
At the special gram sabha chaired by Sarpanch Inacinha Rebello, it was resolved to ask the government to totally withdraw/scrap the Bill. The gram sabha members pointed out there are enough laws to protect the rights of niz Goemkars.
The gram sabha further resolved to ask the government to appoint a dedicated full time officer to decide and dispose of all the mundkarial cases pending at the quasi-judicial courts in a time bound manner.
The gram sabha members also urged the government to maintain strict vigil so as to ensure that no illegal construction activities are carried out on government/Communidade land.
Members were apprehensive that with the government bulldozing with Bill, there would be large scale encroachments/ illegality.
The resolutions were proposed by Cyril Leitao and seconded by Ajit Kamat.
At the gram sabha, the panchayat was thanked and appreciated for promptly calling the meeting. Members also called for coordination amongst various villages to unitedly oppose the Bill.
