PANAJI
South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes on Monday said he has introduced a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament seeking Special Status for Goa. The Bill was tabled during the recently concluded winter session.
Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters in Panaji, Fernandes said Goa’s land and natural resources have changed beyond recognition over the years. He said forests and rivers are under threat, while villages and communities are slowly losing their traditional character. “Every Goan feels this loss. Development is important, but it should not destroy the identity and spirit of our homeland. This Bill is meant to protect Goa, its culture, heritage, natural beauty and the way of life that makes us Goans,” he said.
He added that Special Status is not just a legal provision but a way to protect Goa’s identity and ensure that its values survive for future generations.
GPCC general secretary Advocate Srinivas Khalap said the Goa Congress would continue to fight for the rights of Goans and the protection of the State.
“Our stand is clear ” Goa and Goans come first. All laws and policies must put Goa’s land, people, culture and environment above everything else. This Special Status Bill is a sincere effort to make sure that Goa’s future is shaped by Goans and not by uncontrolled commercial interests,” he said.
The Bill covers several important areas, including setting up a Goa Sustainable Development Council, protecting Goa’s cultural identity, land and environment, safeguarding traditional communities, addressing demographic changes, promoting Konkani and Marathi, giving special powers for environmental protection, and defining the term “Goan of Goan Origin”.
