PANAJI
Two important bills, one seeking to collect and verify details of those occupying premises on rent in the State and another seeking a change in the definition of “tree” and establishment of one state-level authority, were introduced in the assembly on
Monday.
The Goa (Verification of Tenant) Bill 2021 has been introduced for the collection and verification of details of persons occupying premises in the State either on rent or for other consideration from a security point of view. The owner will have to maintain records of the tenant and submit these details to the police station in the area.
“Failure on the part of the owner to maintain and submit the information in the manner as required under the provisions of Section 3 of this Act, shall constitute an offence, which shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to Rs 10,000,” states the Bill.
The Goa Preservation of Trees (Amendment) Bill, 2021 proposes a change in the definition of “tree” as any woody plant whose branches spring from and are supported upon the trunk or the body and whose trunk or body is not less than 10 cms in diameter at breast height i.e. 1.37 meters. In the earlier provision, the measuring height was 1 metre.
The amended bill proposes the establishment of one state-level authority, while earlier it was the two district-level tree authorities.
The amendment proposes to limit the power of acceptation of compensation by a tree officer or any forest officer not below the rank of Deputy Conservator of Forest up to Rs 50,000 due to hike in market rates and value to timber.
‘Governor has assented 18 bills’
PANAJI: The secretary (legislature) informed the House that Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai has given assent to 18 bills which have been passed in earlier sessions of the House.
The bills which have been granted assent include the India International University of Legal Education and Research of the Bar Council of India Trust at Goa Bill, Goa Public Lighting Duty Bill and Goa Regulation of Film Shooting Bill.
State borrowing is just 34% of limit: CM
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said said the financial position of the State is good, with borrowing just 34 per cent of the limit. “The State has a borrowing limit of 4 per cent of GDP, i.e. Rs 3200 crore and the government has borrowed only Rs 1100 crore, which means it is only 34 per cent of the borrowing limit,” said Sawant. The chief minister said a majority of loans are with an interest of below 8 percent, while loans of a higher interest have been closed. He also informed that about 2,500 of 11,000 specially abled persons in the State have been given wheelchairs.
