In a very devious move, the State Government has hurriedly bulldozed through the Goa (Abolition of Proprietorships, Titles and Grants of Lands) Bill, 2014. While claiming it is to sort out the Mayem imbroglio, the devious intent is clear.
Firstly, the term "*proprietor" *is defined thus: (o) "proprietor" includes a person who holds land granted to him or any of his predecessors-in-interest by the erstwhile Portuguese Government/regime by way of gift, sale or otherwise, his co-sharers, or person having become owner of land by prescription/adverse possession; The definition is an inclusive definition and not only intended to sort out Mayem issue. All *proprietors *will get covered by this new legislation. Clause (i) of sub-section (1) of Section 3, provides as under: all rights, title and interest of every proprietor, title-holder, grantee, in or in respect of lands held by him as such proprietor, title- holder, grantee, shall be deemed to have been extinguished and permanently cancelled; Clause (i) of Sub-section (2) of Section 3 vests all lands of the proprietor in the Government and even the proprietor will not be entitled to receive rents. Section 4 re-vests the land in the proprietor as *Occupant Class II*. This is the dubious provision. Without following the Land Acquisition Law, the Government now intends to demote the proprietors as Class II Occupants of the land, *with onus to pay land revenue*, which is in respect of (a) Homesteads, buildings and structure together with lands appurtenant thereto in the occupation of the proprietor or title-holder or grantee, but excluding those which are in the possession of a cultivating tenant or mundkar, as the case may be; (b) lands under the personal cultivation of the proprietor or title-holder or grantee, not being pasture or grass lands. Sub-section (2) of Section 4 penalises any person from holding out as proprietor with imprisonment for three months and fine of Rs 1 Lakh. Section 10 bars alienation of this re-granted land without prior Government approval, which may grant subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed!! Is this new legislation *pro bono publico?* Or is this now a means to hold all lands with the government and then dole it out to the greedy? Is this the fate of each Goan who has toiled to hold his land so dearly and is this the price each Goan will have to pay for this government, who not only will allow sale of lands to those whom they favour and are in their good books, but also to mop up revenue for the State? Would this Bill not be a direct acquisition of land, in conflict with the Central Land Acquisition law, requiring prior approval of the President under Article 245 of the Constitution? Is this the Parivartan we voted for? With the parliamentary elections round the corner, the people of Goa ought to be enlightened about this devious legislation passed in such a tearing hurry. Aires Rodrigues T1 - B30, Ribandar Retreat Ribandar - Goa - 403006 Mobile: 9822684372
