It is not a secret anymore that the division of North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) into three, is a kind of “thanksgiving” to former Congress St Cruz MLA Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate, for his so-called pivotal role of getting into the ruling team though his entry into his “old friend’s”, party, Goa Forward.
The Town and Country Planning departments in-principle move to split NGPDA into three coastal PDA, Panjim PDA and Greater Panjim PDA consisting of Taleigao, Bambolim and Old Goa is yet another step towards “pleasing” its new “political friends”, who either joined saffron party or coalition government, strengthening both.
There are various ways in which this coming of forces is likely to be played out with a disclaimer that this is in the realm of serious discussion only. The immense resentment, even within the ruling party may need a rethink on this but for now the following options are being floated.
a) Panjim PDA, will continue to be part of NGPDA and be headed by BJP MLA Michael Lobo
b) Greater Panjim PDA consisting of parts of St Cruz, Bambolim will have Monserrate as its chairman. The office is expected to be located in Taleigao constituency itself
c) Old Goa, the backyard of MLA and Power Minister Pandurang Madkaikar, may be a part of a new PDA of a part of the Greater Panjim PDA. Many local and heritage activities are apprehensive that a conflict of interest will emerge if the minister has sway over the PDA due to his flourishing real estate business. PDAs, formed as per Town and Country Planning Act, makes it mandatory to have outline development plan with increased FAR, thus attracting real estate.
So far, there is no clarity on who is going to be the political boss of Coastal PDAs, which will include beach belts of North Goa, except Calangute, Candolim, Baga and Arpora which will be part of NGPDA as demanded by Lobo.
Highly placed sources from ruling dispensation confirm that since the plan to have by-polls for St Cruz assembly seat currently ruled by Congress’ Tony Fernandes, close aide of Monserrate did not work out, Babush was anguished. It was only later that his deal with Goa Forward materialized.
“The Division of NGPDA was Babush Monserrate’s idea. He wanted power in hand anyhow. To pacify him, a proposal was mooted to have a greater Panjim PDA with Monserrate in charge”, sources said.
Inclusion of Bambolim, part of St Andre constituency ruled by Congress, into Greater Panjim PDA is an attempt at keeping the political cards open for the future. The constituency is ruled by Francis Silveira, who is also a close friend of Monserrate as well as the Goa Forward President Vijai Sardesai.
At present there are three PDAs in the state NGPDA, South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) and Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA).
SGPDA is headed by former Goa Forward party president Dr Renuka Da Silva, while the political infighting has left MPDA ‘life-less’ an indication of how these PDAs are nothing beyond political arrangements for the ruling parties.
It may be recalled that when Mauvin Godinho, the former Congress MLA in saffron clothes was handed out the Chairmanship of the SGPDA, when it was certain that he would contest the 2017 elections on a BJP ticket.
While there is lot in store for NGPDA, for now there are no such ‘friendly’ moves for SGPDA, which comprises of Margao and Ponda.
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New concept to burden exchequer
SHWETA KAMAT
The concept of new PDAs will lead to creation of additional infrastructure thus burdening the State exchequers.
As per a rough calculation, a dedicated full-fledged office will be required to house the Greater Panjim PDA and coastal PDA, as the existing North Goa Planning and Development (NGPDA) office located at Mala has no space to accommodate the same. The government will have to go for a rented premise, at an estimated monthly rent of Rs 1.5 to-2.5 lakh.
On an average each PDA will need a staff strength of nothing less than 15 that will include chairman, member secretary, planners, surveyors, UDC, LDC, personal secretary to chairman, peon and drivers. All will have to be paid as per the VII pay commission, which is already applicable to government servants. This will be nothing less than Rs 4.5 lakh monthly per PDA.
Further there would be additional vehicle requirements for chairman, planners and surveyors. The government claims that there will be no new purchase of vehicles as the vehicles from existing quota will be transferred.
