Rane stands by legislation as Opposition presses for repeal; Says only 0.2 pc land converted, figures exaggerated Health: Gap analysis to identify shortfalls; focus on health screening
PANAJI
Town and Country Planning Minister Vishwajit Rane on Wednesday asserted that regulations and legislation passed by the House “will remain”, in a veiled response to demands for scrapping the controversial Sections 39A and 17(2) of the TCP Act.
Rane accused Opposition MLAs of presenting “unrealistic figures” of land conversions, creating false public perception. “All these
legislations and sections are sub‑judice, so I cannot speak much on them. Even Section 39A is sub‑judice. Whatever I can, I will clarify,” he said.
He claimed that only 0.2 per cent of land under the Regional Plan had been converted using these provisions, dismissing what he called “astronomical figures” alleged by the Opposition.
The debate on TCP grants had earlier seen sharp exchanges, with Opposition MLAs accusing the department of becoming a “shop for land conversions” and project approvals.
Viresh Borkar and Venzy Viegas led the charge, alleging large‑scale misuse of Section 39A.
Other Opposition MLAs, including of Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Vijai Sardesai, Cruz Silva, Carlos Alvares Ferreira and Altone D’Costa also joined in the criticism.
Sardesai alleged that over 1.27 million square metres of land has been converted with Tiswadi, Pernem and Bardez accounting for more than 60% of zone changes.
He noted that despite such large‑scale conversions, the government had admitted no assessment has been done on their impact on infrastructure, roads, drainage, groundwater or the environment.
Other legislators had alleged that proposals were pending for another 71.56 lakh sq metres of land to be converted.
Borkar and Viegas vociferously demanded scrapping of Sections 17(2) and 39A to protect Goa’s land and heritage.
The Opposition voices underscored growing unease over rapid urban expansion, mega projects and heritage protection, with calls for stricter laws and better planning.
Preventive care push with screenings
Rane also announced a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening Goa’s healthcare system, with a strong emphasis on preventive medicine while replying to the discussion on demands for grants pertaining to the health sector.
He said a gap analysis is being undertaken to identify shortfalls in existing facilities.
“It is a Central government funded initiative that will help us strengthen the healthcare facilities,” Rane, who also holds the Health portfolio, stated.
He emphasised that medical screening facilities will soon be introduced across all government hospitals, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and Community Health Centres (CHCs).
Highlighting the government’s focus on early detection, Rane said, “We will also launch all medical screening services including cancer and diabetes, across PHCs and CHCs in Goa.”
He added that preventive medicine would be the cornerstone of the State’s health policy going forward.
Rane also indicated that the government is inclined to upgrade key hospitals. The Tuem hospital is likely to be declared a sub-district hospital, while the Curchorem hospital may be elevated to a district hospital for the newly notified Kushavati district.
Rane also underscored the quality of Goa’s Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres, claiming they are “much better than any district hospitals in larger States.”
