A growing movement of locals, including some prominent Gaunkars are reportedly uniting in opposition to the proposed establishment of a private university on comunidade land in the village of Tivim. The villagers argue that the project could threaten their environment, infrastructure and heritage. There is the fear among locals that other projects like hotels will follow in the wake of the university which could turn the village into a concrete jungle. The natural ecosystems and the hills surrounding the area will be vulnerable to soil erosion and deforestation. The project will also put a strain on the village infrastructure including sewage systems, waste management and the availability of water and electricity.
Widening of roads will mean demolishing the compound walls of several houses. The villagers have also called for a special gram sabha to address the issue publicly. Be that as it may, the question that arises is whether Goa is really in need of a private university that will occupy 2 lakh square meters of pristine land when the existing infrastructure at the Goa University can be improved. It is learnt that the state government has received proposals for four private universities to establish their campuses in Goa. The government has reportedly stressed on the potential of the private universities and their capability to create job opportunities while offering wider educational options. The fee structure in educational institutions affiliated to a private university will obviously be on a higher side.
Will Goan families be in a position to provide education for their wards in these educational institutions? Private Universities could cater only to the elite in the society and those coming from other states. Whether private universities will ultimately benefit Goan students is debatable. Hence would it be appropriate to offer such a wide stretch of land of two lakh square meters in the state for a private university which will most probably provide minimal benefit for Goans? It is pertinent to note that whenever a controversial project is set to come up in the state, the stakeholders harp on providing job opportunities for the local youth. Whether this has ever materialized is the big question.
