PANAJI
Despite over 5,400 tenancy and mundkarial cases pending, the State government on Friday declined to introduce ‘sunset clause’ for its speedy disposal considering the past experience wherein it had to face backlash from the tenants and mundkars for putting a time frame to apply for tenancy or mundkarial declaration.
Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate, however said that the government is considering various amendments to the Goa Agricultural Tenancy and Goa Mundkars (Protection and Eviction) Act, wherein it is being considered removing the issuance of fresh notices in purchase cases and empowering Mamlatdars to hear such cases as a continuous process.
“In the past Goa government had introduced a sunset clause, but had to face strong opposition from tenants and mundkars as they feared the same would restrict their rights,” he said referring to the amendments introduced to the Act in 2014 and the same being withdrawn in 2015.
“Government has no intention to introduce the sunset clause to the above Act based on past experience. However, the government endeavours to ensure that the disposal of cases are done on priority,” the Minister said assuring the House that the government is serious in disposing all tenancy and mundkarial cases at the earliest and ensure their rights are duly protected.
Responding to the Private Members Resolution moved by Saligao MLA Kedar Naik, the Minister said that there are 2485 tenancy cases and 541 tenancy appeal cases pending while pending mundkarial cases are 2059 and appeal cases 374.
As per the data produced in the House, in North Goa, till date there is a total 1385 tenancy and related 145 appeal cases while 1072 mundkarial and 152 appeal cases are disposed off. In South, there are 730 tenancy and 585 mundkarial cases while 95 tenancy and 146 mundkarial appeal cases are settled.
“Following High Court directions, both North and South Goa Collectors have issued directions for appointment of Special Mamlatdars to handle these cases,” Monserrate said informing that Revenue Courts are also held on Saturday to hear the cases.
MLA Kedar Naik had moved a resolution that the Government conclude all pending cases under Agricultural Tenancy Act and Mundkar Act in a time bound manner by setting an upper time limit as the same will give relief to thousands of Goans who are fighting legal battles for their rightful claims.
The resolution was supported by ruling as well as Opposition MLAs who demanded appointment of special and dedicated mamlatdars to deal with these cases and setting up a time frame to dispose of them off.
The members pointed out that the existing Mamlatdars are overburdened with works related to tenancy, mundkarial, partition, demolition, law and order situation, etc and hence there is need for special mamlatdars.
