the goan I network
MARGAO
Around 10 days after the gram sabha adopted a host of resolutions against illegal migrants and their illegal businesses, the Benaulim panchayat on Wednesday deliberated on the resolutions with its lawyer to ascertain the legal view point and whether the panchayat can initiate action against the migrants.
Chaired by Sarpanch Ezlina Fernandes, the meeting saw the panchayat members discussing with the legal counsel how the panchayat can go about implementing the resolutions without coming in conflict with the law in force.
In reply, the panchayat lawyer made it clear to the members that the law does not bar any citizen from conducting any business anywhere in the State or the country. He further pointed out that Goa does not enjoy special status to bar outsiders from conducting a particular business in the State.
On the question of locals entering into lease agreements with the migrants to lease out their properties for business purpose, the lawyer sought to know how the panchayat can deal with a situation when the owner enters into a lease agreement, but maintains that the tenant is employed by him to run the business.
On the resolution demanding that the panchayat constitute a group of village volunteers to crack down on illegal activities on the beach belt, the lawyer told the panchayat members that the group can be formed but in coordination with the police authorities. In this connection, it has been decided to write to the district police chief for a meeting to facilitate the formation of a volunteer force in coordination with the police.
As far as the issue of intimidation and threats issued by migrants are concerned, the panchayat lawyer pointed out that the panchayat can write to the Collector on the subject, adding that even the individuals who are aggrieved by the threats and intimidation can directly write to the authorities for necessary action.
Sarpanch Ezlina later told the media that the panchayat meeting has deliberated the issue of migrants with the panchayat lawyer, adding that the panchayat will write to the Collector as well as the police on certain points.
