MAPUSA
The Congress on Monday raised serious concerns over the allotment of 2 lakh square metres of land in Tivim for the proposed establishment of a private university, calling it another potential "land ghotala" (scam) in the making.
The party has urged the public to voice strong objections to the land allocation, questioning the transparency and benefits of the project.
Amarnath Panjikar, Chairman of the Congress Media Cell, expressed shock at the lack of awareness claimed by Fisheries Minister and local MLA Nilkant Halarnkar regarding the project.
"It is shocking that the local MLA says he is unaware of the project. We demand that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant release a White Paper outlining the benefits to Goa and Goans from both national and private educational institutions set up in the State before any land is handed over in Tivim," said Panjikar.
The Congress leader also called for the government to publicly release the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for any initiative where significant land is allocated. He insisted that the DPR must clearly outline how Goans would benefit from such projects.
"It is evident that all IPB (Investment Promotion Board) projects have failed in delivering on investment and employment opportunities for Goans," Panjikar stated, casting doubt on the effectiveness of previous government initiatives and raising concerns that the Tivim land deal could follow a similar path.
