Sawant says action stepped up against illegalities
PANAJI
Amid growing concerns over land conversions, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said that the government has stepped up action against illegal land conversions and a ban on the sale of agricultural land.
Speaking during the Legislature's Day function, Sawant reiterated the government's commitment to protect the river Mhadei. “We are firm on Mhadei diversion and will not allow it. The case is being closely monitored,” Sawant said, adding that Mhadei PRAWAH has been formed in the interest of the State.
Turning to the occasion, Sawant said the Goa Legislators’ Day Forum serves as an important platform for present and former legislators to come together in the Assembly to deliberate on issues related to governance and public life, noting that only a few States have such a forum.
Referring to the Student Parliament initiative, the Chief Minister said the programme helps college students understand how the legislature functions by allowing them to role-play as the Speaker, Chief Minister, and Leader of the Opposition. “Government is a continuous process,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government has focused on Goa’s development through infrastructure and human resource development. He noted that while industrialisation and tourism have expanded since 2000, the increase in migrant labour has also posed challenges for local residents.
Referring to reforms, Sawant said the Maje Ghar scheme has helped regularise houses built before 1972 on government, communidade, or private land. He added that initiatives such as Pink Force, Swayampurna Goa, and the SIT for Land Grabbing were aimed at preventing land scams and improving governance.
Sawant also invited former legislators to submit suggestions to the Speaker or the government, assuring that these would be considered in the interest of the State and its people.
