MARGAO
Cries against the controversial Goa Bhumiputra Adhikarini Bill reverberated across the Salcete countryside on Sunday, with the gram sabhas of as many as five village panchayats with one voice demanding the scrapping of the Bill in toto.
Unanimous resolutions were adopted at the gram sabhas of Navelim, Cavelossim, Seraulim, Loutolim and Sarzora not only objected to the controversial Bill, but demanded that the government should not go ahead with the exercise of calling for suggestions and objections on it.
The issue came up for discussion at the Navelim gram sabha chaired by Sarpanch Bevinda Gonsalves and attended by Navelim MLA Luizinho Faleiro and Zilla Panchayat member Cipru Cardozo.
Members unanimously opposed the Bill saying it will not stand the test of law since there are several legislations in force to decide on land ownership.
The Navelim MLA pointed out that he had vehemently opposed the Bill when it was bulldozed by the government in the Assembly. He also recalled his opposition to the Port Bill passed in Parliament, which would take away the powers of the local bodies, including panchayats.
Gram Sabha member Antonio Alvares pointed out that the government is only fooling the people by promising land ownership when the central law of limitation is in force. He pointed out that Bhumiputra law will fail when the central law of limitation is in force.
Sarpanch Bevinda Gonsalves said the Bill, which was listed on the agenda, was unanimously opposed by the gram sabha with a resolution demanding its total scrapping.
The Bill also came in for strong opposition at the gram sabha of the village panchayat of Loutolim chaired by Sarpanch Tony Vaz. Gram sabha members unanimously opposed the Bill and demanded its total scrapping.
Gram sabha member Ramiro Mascarenhas pointed out that the members opposed the Bill on a host of points, including the important point that the Bill will run contrary to the provisions of the Mundkar and Tenancy laws in force.
Opposition to the controversial Bill was heard at the gram sabha of Sarzora village panchayat chaired by Sarpanch Wilson Fernandes.
Former Sarpanch Sabita Mascarenhas explained to the members how the Bill, if passed, will benefit outsiders at the cost of the local population. She demanded that the government should also scrap the ongoing exercise initiated by it to invite objections and suggestions on the Bill.
After much discussion, the gram sabha adopted a unanimous resolution demanding its scrapping in toto.
The Bill also came up for discussion at the gram sabha of the coastal village panchayat of Cavelossism. The meeting chaired by Sarpanch Desmond Dias discussed and deliberated on the controversial Bill before adopting a unanimous resolution objecting to the Bill. Sarpanch Desmond pointed out that the members unanimously rejected the Bill.
The issue had its echo at the gram sabha of Seraulim panchayat. Sarpanch Leslie Dourado said the gram sabha unanimously opposed the Bill and demanded that the government scrap it in toto.
