Referring to the acute inconvenience and hardship faced by the public at large since the announcement, Faleiro stated, “The demonetisation move was ill-planned and the government has failed in executing it. Before making the grand announcement, the government should have printed additional currency, especially of lower denominations instead of the not so useful Rs 2,000 notes.”
The senior Congressman also questioned the government's claim that the move is aimed at eliminating black money. “Income tax data shows that tax recovery from tax evaders is less than six per cent of undisclosed income and most of the black money is invested in business, real estate and gold," he said.
Congress also dared the government to come clean on its stand on the issue of special status.
“When and how has the BJP come to know that the grant of special status is not possible for Goa?” Faleiro demanded in reference to the contrary stands adopted by the BJP-led Union and State governments.
Faleiro maintained that special status is being sought for Goa on two main grounds, namely large scale purchase of Goan land by non-Goans, including foreign nationals, and the resultant large scale migration leading to marginalisation of Goan identity.
He argued that the State government has the powers required to enact laws to restrict land transactions in order to protect interests of local residents.
“Increasing number of foreigners have been acquiring immovable property in Goa in violation of RBI guidelines while the National Security Council secretariat has cautioned that real estate projects by foreigners in Goa might include drug trafficking, arms trade and prostitution,” Faleiro warned.
He called upon the government to scrutinise all land deals involving foreigners and if any illegalities are found, confiscate the property and impose punishment on offenders and their local associates.
Referring to the influx of migrants into the State, Faleiro said that the laws available to control this trend are not being implemented effectively.
“The state government should ensure registration of all migrant workers at local self-governing institutions and should hold a yearly audit of all contractors. Possibility of an internet portal to facilitate verification and public information should be explored,” he advised.
