the goan I network
MARGAO
Sources in the South Goa district Collectorate told The Goan that plots have been lying vacant at most of the 20-point programme sites across the district. It is learnt that the district administration has moved the file to the government long ago to take a call on the allotment of plots, but in vain.
Plots under the 20-point programme are allotted to the beneficiaries as per the laid down guidelines, but the administration is awaiting the government nod whether to allot the plots by draw of lots.
When contacted, South Goa Additional district Collector, Johnson Fernandes informed The Goan that the administration has taken over the plots after glaring discrepancies have come to light about the misuse of the plots. “Right now, there are around 150 plots vacant all across South Goa district while more than 1000-plus applicants have applied for the allotment of plots. We are awaiting for government’s nod how to go about with the job,” he said.
The 20-point programme, which was meant for the landless agricultural labourers, had turned controversial in Salcete taluka, since the 90’s after it came to light that the original allottees had illegally sub-let the plots to migrants, creating migrant hubs in the Goan villages of Seraulim, Nagoa and Guirdolim in Salcete taluka. In fact, instances are galore when the taluka Mamlatdar had moved into the colonies under the 20-point programme on several occasions to raze down the illegal houses and to take back possession of the plots allotted to the beneficiaries.
The misuse
South Goa Additional district Collector, Johnson Fernandes says that the administration has taken over the plots after glaring discrepancies have come to light about the misuse of the plots.
He says, right now, there are around 150 plots vacant all across South Goa district while more than 1000-plus applicants have applied for the allotment of plots and we are awaiting for government’s nod how to go about with the job
