Village does not have comunidade land but land managed by Sociedade
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launching the Mhaje Ghar scheme in Cuncolim on Wednesday.
MARGAO
The launch of the Mhaje Ghar scheme by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the historic village of Cuncolim on Wednesday sparked a major controversy moments after the event.
Unlike most of the villages and towns, Cuncolim, due to its historical background, does not have a comunidade. Instead, its community land is managed and administered by the Gaunkars through a body known as the Sociedade Agricola dos Gauncares de Cuncolim e Veroda. The members of this Sociedade comprise Gaunkars from both Hindu and Christian communities.
During the launch, held at noon in Cuncolim in the presence of South Goa District Collector Egna Cletus, IAS, former Cuncolim MLA Clafacio Dias, and senior government officials, Chief Minister Sawant stated that owners of houses located on Sociedade land could also apply under the scheme, which was originally meant for houses on comunidade land.
However, this statement drew sharp reactions. Chairman of the Sociedade Agricola dos Gauncares de Cuncolim e Veroda, Shaba Desai, clarified that the land managed by the Sociedade neither belongs to the government nor can it be classified as comunidade land.
“The Sociedade is the rightful owner of the land in Cuncolim. It cannot be categorized as either comunidade or government land. The Sociedade operates under its own norms to manage and administer the property,” said Desai.
During the launch, the Chief Minister asked the audience how many had houses built on government or comunidade land — only a few hands were raised. But when he asked how many had houses on Sociedade land, nearly 90 per cent of the crowd raised their hands.
“Do not worry,” Sawant said. “There are no separate forms for houses built on Sociadade land. You can use the same forms meant for comunidade land. Sociedade land is mainly located in Cuncolim and partly in Sanvordem.”
When someone pointed out that Mayem also falls under the Sociedade category, the Chief Minister corrected them, clarifying that Mayem is evacuee property.
Sawant further appealed to the Sociadade to issue one-time No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to eligible applicants.
“We are not giving land to outsiders, but to local people who have built their homes on Sociedade land. The Sociedade committee should issue the NOC. If there are any concerns, the government is willing to collect payments on its behalf and deposit them with the Sociedade account”, he assured, promising regularization of houses within six months.
