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http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=111316
TCP ordinance decision, a tactical ploy: Victoria NT Staff Reporter Panaji Nov 12: The Deputy Speaker and St Cruz MLA, Ms Victoria Fernandes today called the announcement made by the Town and Country Planning Minister, Mr Atanasio Monserrate on keeping the TCP ordinance in abeyance till the state legislative assembly approves the amendments, as a tactical ploy to facilitate smooth holding of the International Film Festival of India, 2005. Addressing a press conference in her chamber in the assembly complex this afternoon, Ms Fernandes reacted sharply to the statement of the TCP Minister and said the agitation launched by the St Cruz constituency action citizens committee, with support of other groups and non-governmental organisations, would continue till the draconian piece of legislation is totally scrapped. �There is no need to discuss it in the assembly,� she said, adding, �On the contrary, all the decisions should be reverted wherein the ordinance has been implemented.� Terming the controversial ordinance as the sword of Damocles hanging on the head of Goans, Ms Fernandes said the November 24 deadline given to the government by the SCCACC for total withdrawal of the ordinance still stands, failing which the agitation would work to oppose the mega film event in the city. �The detail programme for the same would soon be chalked out,� she added. The agitation is not only demanding exclusion of all rural areas from the PDAs, but also seeking withdrawal of the ordinance, she reiterated. Ms Fernandes described the present state of Mr Monserrate as �frustrated�. He is totally frustrated because of the overwhelming response received by the agitation, she said, and added that this has resulted in illogical statements coming from him. �Mr Monserrate alleges that I am leading the agitation because my son, Mr Rudolf Fernandes was not appointed as chairperson of the North Goa Planning and Development Authority,� she pointed out, adding, �This is a baseless allegation for I had opposed the very re-constitution of the PDAs as early as August 17, 2005, through a memorandum to the Chief Minister, Mr Pratapsingh Rane when there were no NGPDA existing.� The Deputy Speaker stated that the particular piece of the legislation did not come before the House during the last session of the assembly, when other bills like the Goa Appropriation (No 4 and No 5) Bill 2005, the Goa Members of Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) Bill 2005, the Goa Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of the Legislative Assembly (Amendment) Bill, 2005, etc were tabled. �Hiding this bill clearly shows the mala fide intention behind it,� she observed. The St Cruz MLA also alleged that TCP Minister is in the process of taking over the government primary school located near his house in Taleigao. �He wants to shift the school to some other place, demolish the present school building and expand his property,� she charged. Replying to a question, Ms Fernandes said that all the ministers in the Rane cabinet are supporting her stand in principal. However, they don�t dare to come out openly against the ordinance during the meeting of the Congress legislature party, she said. Ms Fernandes also said that a foreign national has taken over nearly 2 lakh sq mts of land at Assagao, felled all the trees and other vegetation on it and started erecting tents over it. �I don�t understand how this has been allowed by the department of forests,� she questioned, informing that she would be visiting the place later today, to investigate into the matter. -- Cheers, Gabe Menezes. London, England
