MAPUSA
Newly elected Attorney of Nerul Comunidade, Olencio Simoes has raised concerns over the deteriorating state of Goa’s comunidades, blaming government inaction for the decline of this centuries-old land-holding system that dates back to the Kadamba era.
“It is disheartening to see that many comunidades have been weakened due to neglect. We urge the authorities to take immediate action to preserve this historic institution,” Simoes stated while addressing the media soon after his election.
Simoes was elected as Attorney in the new managing committee of the Nerul Comunidade, alongside Laxmi Gonsalves as President and Romana Cordo as Treasurer.
Thomas D’Souza, Ashok Braganza and Kevin Dos Santos were elected as substitutes.
The election was conducted at the Nerul Comunidade Hall under the supervision of presiding officer Shannan Almeida, Joint Mamlatdar of Bardez, in accordance with the Code of Comunidade.
Highlighting key issues, Simoes also called for the urgent renovation of the Mapusa administrative office, warning that the building is on the verge of collapse.
Furthermore, he stressed the need for amendments to the Code of Comunidade, advocating for greater decision-making powers for managing committees regarding land rates, encroachments and the confiscation of uncultivated land.
The election and subsequent statements have once again brought attention to the challenges faced by comunidade system, with fresh calls for policy reforms to safeguard its future.
