PANAJI
Sanguem Independent MLA Prasad Gaonkar has objected to the use of word ‘Bhumiputra’ in the Goa Bhumiputra Adhikarini Bill 2021, claiming it would dilute the identity of original settlers, including tribals, who have been living in Goa for generations.
Addressing a news conference in Panaji on Saturday, Gaonkar warned that the government would have to face the consequences if the bill is not repealed. “In the present bureaucratic setup, there is 100 percent chance of misusing the law and there are cases of land sales using fake documents. In such circumstances, the Bill will not serve the purpose,” said Gaonkar.
He accused the State government of passing 20 bills in the three-day assembly session in haste and added that the conduct of the government was suspicious.
Gaonkar also criticised the government for failing to granting land ownership rights to the Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers under the Central Scheduled Tribe and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of forest rights) Act, 2006.
