MAPUSA
The Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) was forced to cancel the public hearing for the proposed World Peace University project in Tivim after villagers challenged its authority to hold the meeting.
Labelling the hearing as “illegal” and “beyond jurisdiction,” the villagers raised objections that led to its abrupt termination.
The controversy stems from a proposal by the Goa Investment Promotion Board (IPB) to designate 2 lakh square metres of comunidade land in Tivim as an Investment Promotion Area (IPA) under the Goa IPB Act 2021.
Two months ago, the IPB invited objections and suggestions from the public about the project.
However, the GIDC subsequently announced a public hearing on December 23 to discuss the matter, sparking outrage among local residents.
Led by local resident Robert Colaco, the villagers challenged the GIDC’s authority to conduct the hearing.
"The Goa IPB and GIDC are distinct entities created under separate enactments. The GIDC has no jurisdiction under the Goa IPB Act 2021 to hold such a hearing, especially when objections were originally invited by the IPB," Colaco stated in a written objection.
Colaco further argued that the powers to assess and declare an area as an IPA lie solely with the IPB, as per the provisions of the Goa IPB Act 2021. He termed the GIDC’s notice for the hearing as “illegal, without jurisdiction, and an abuse of the process of law.”
Despite the objections, GIDC Managing Director Pravimal Abhishek (IAS) clarified that the hearing aimed to gather villagers’ views on the proposed project.
"The written objection presented during the meeting has been taken on record. A report will be prepared and submitted to the government. It’s now for the government to take the final decision," Abhishek said.
The proposed World Peace University has drawn widespread criticism from Tivim locals, including gauncars of the comunidade.
They argue that allocating such a vast tract of land at low rates to a private entity undermines community interests. Many have questioned the necessity and potential impact of the project on the village.
Adding to the tensions, some villagers have filed a complaint with the Colvale Police against the outgoing managing committee members of the comunidade. The complaint alleges that the committee passed a resolution supporting the private university without following proper procedures.
"The government needs to respect the sentiments of the locals and rethink this project. This land belongs to the comunidade and cannot be handed over without proper consultation and adherence to legal procedures," said Mollie Da Gama Silva, a resident of Tivim.
The Goa IPB, which had given in-principle approval to the project through the State’s single-window clearance system, has yet to respond to the escalating opposition.
Meanwhile, the villagers continue to demand transparency and accountability, vowing to oppose any attempts to proceed without their consent.
The controversy highlights the growing tension between development projects and local communities, with the resolution of this issue likely to set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
