The proposed amendments to the Goa Land Revenue (Conversion of use of land and non-agricultural assessment) Rules, 1969 needs to be opposed tooth and nail by all concerned citizens.
At the outset, the draft is available only in English. The same needs to be translated into official languages Konkani and Marathi for wider circulation among public. Further, the same are required to be made available on websites of both Collectorates and on Goa Government Portal along with translations. The period of just 15 days given is shoddy and an attempt by the authorities to invite suggestions/objections as mere formality as rush with this draconian law.
Today Goa is facing large scale challenge of land being gulped down by Delhi lobby and real estate sharks. Are our officers also hand in glove with them? At least the draft policy seems to support this. Is the Minister of Revenue aware of the possible outcomes of this amendment?
Today we need to see that land conversions are done carefully. However the proposed amendment gives wide discretion in hands of the Collectors. The draft amendment states that in case the report of the TCP, Forest, ISLR and Mamlatdar is not received within 20 days, the Collector shall proceed to decide the application without considering such report. This discretion is wrong and against principles of law
Secondly, is the Government not aware of the difficulties faced by the citizens in obtaining reports from the TCP, Forest, ISLR and Mamlatdars? This will give scope for more corruption.
The Government has included conversion in Time Bound Delivery of Services Act. Till date, how many officers have been penalised for delay in submitting the conversion report? Is it not Governments failure to implement time bound deiivery of services? The Revenue Department of Goa Government is requested to equip itself with more knowledge on illegal encroachment of government, comunidade land. Why is the Government not bringing any amendment to safeguard Comunidade or Government lands? Why no Amendment to give justice to tenants and mundkars? I strongly feel that these amendments sought in land conversion rules under the garb of "Ease of doing business" are nothing but an attempt for red carpet welcome to real estate lobby. I request the proposed amendment be withdrawn.
