PANAJI: Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai has urged Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju to withhold assent to two Bills passed by the Goa Legislative Assembly on September 2, citing concerns over land acquisition, freehold conversion of industrial land and drafting deficiencies.
In a memorandum submitted on Monday, Sardesai sought reconsideration of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Goa Amendment) Bill, 2026 (Bill No. 56 of 2026) and the Goa Ease of Doing Business (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2026 (Bill No. 58 of 2026).
The GFP urged the Governor to return the Bills to the Assembly or take appropriate constitutional action. Sardesai questioned the passage of eight Bills in a single day, saying the compressed process left little scope for detailed scrutiny.
The party raised concerns over provisions in the Land Acquisition Amendment Bill allowing exemptions from safeguards under Chapters II and III of the central RFCTLARR Act, 2013, including Social Impact Assessment and protections for irrigated multi-cropped land. The Bill also extends exemptions to Public Private Partnerships and could allow acquisition for industrial corridors up to one kilometre on either side of designated roads or railway lines.
Citing Supreme Court judgments, including KMC v. Bimal Kumar Shah (2024 INSC 425), Sardesai said land acquisition is an extraordinary power that requires restraint and extensive scrutiny. The GFP also objected to proposed Section 28A of the Goa Industrial Development Act, which would enable the Goa Industrial Development Corporation to grant freehold rights over industrial plots upon payment of a premium. Sardesai said this could fundamentally alter the value and purpose of land originally allotted for industrial development and employment.
The party demanded that any freehold framework consider market value, acquisition costs, public infrastructure spending, land appreciation, original allotment purpose, employment commitments and lease compliance. It also called for continued industrial use to prevent speculative real estate gains. Citing Sancoale Communidade land leased to Zuari Industries, the GFP questioned whether industrial land could eventually enter the luxury real estate market without safeguards.
The party also raised concerns over Sections 37A and 37B, provisions relating to land acquisition for industrial estates, and the supervision of Pollution Control Board and Fire Department officials by the industrial estate Managing Director, warning of possible compromises in health and safety.
The GFP further alleged drafting errors in Section 37B and Shops and Establishments provisions. “In the last 14 years that the Goa Forward Party has been in the Legislature, we have never seen Bills with so many blatant drafting errors be passed by the House without any consideration,” Sardesai said.
The GFP said it supports investment and development but stressed that Goa’s finite land resources must be protected. “Ease of doing business must not become ‘ease of acquiring and monetising land for real estate business’,” Sardesai said, urging the Governor to withhold assent and ensure proper scrutiny of both Bills.
