It is encouraging that the High Court has granted interim relief to two prominent Goa Diocesan organisations by staying the cancellation of their FCRA registration certificates. Credit is due to the legal team and the judge for the order. However, the matter is far from over. The FCRA Bill has been referred to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), approved by both Houses on August 12. With a BJP majority, concerns remain over whether minority institutions will receive adequate consideration. The Bill must be examined carefully to ensure transparency does not become a means of placing undue pressure on minority institutions or their assets. Goa also faces concerns over communidade lands, orchards, agricultural land, hill cutting and models such as Naksha. Goans must remain alert and protect the state’s identity and environment. Political gestures should not influence voting choices. Politicians must be judged by their actions and record. Goa must remain united to safeguard its future.
Praxy Fernandes, Sanquelim
