3 yrs imprisonment and fine of Rs 50,000: CM
TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: Coming down heavily on illegal constructions on government land, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday announced to come out with an amendment to the ‘The Goa Land Revenue Code’, under which three years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000 will be imposed on those who indulge in illegal constructions on government land.
According to provisions of the amendment, which is to be placed in the House, next week, the deputy collector would be obliged to demolish such constructions. “If the deputy collector is found to be involved in fraud, then he will be personally held responsible and action would be initiated (against him),” Parrikar said.
If government failed to come out with an amendment, then an Ordinance would be issued in this regards, the chief minister disclosed.
Chief Minister was speaking while replying to the cut motion moved by the Opposition to demand pertaining to revenue, settlement and land records and collectorate on behalf of deputy chief Minister Francis D’Souza, who is unwell.
Parrikar said that in case of those who have already put up illegal construction, government will give them an opportunity to approach and a solution will be worked out within next three years.
“But, those constructions which do not fall under the purview law, will be demolished,” he clarified.
The issue of illegal constructions on commundiade and government land was highlighted by MLAs while participating in the discussion.
Chief Minister pointed out that large number of illegal structures have come up on government and communidade land. He said as per the current Land Revenue Code, the offence is cognizable, wherein there is three month imprisonment and Rs 2000 fine.
“I will make it three years imprisonment and Rs 50,000 fine,” he said adding deputy collector will be directed to file quarterly report on illegal constructions and if the report is found to be false, then the officer would be held personally responsible.
Parrikar said that as per Land Revenue code, all land belongs to agriculture and government except those which are in the name of others. He said additional mamlatdars would be appointed to look into the issue.
… will give protection to Goans, poor
PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar Thursday said that government will give protection to Goans and the poor, but will not spare those involved in illegal construction on government land.
He was speaking while referring to the issue of proposed demolition of the illegal encroachments on Moti Dongor for which notices of removal were issued to 373 occupants at Moti Dongor and Tolsanzor by the administrator of comunidades, South zone. The High Court has granted an interim stay on the demolition. “We will not put any Goan or poor on the road. It is a humanitarian concern. But laws will be followed strictly,” he said adding ‘there is no need to fear’.
The issue was raised by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardessai who demanded protection to these people.
Recalling demolition of illegal structures at Baina, Parrikar said ‘arrangements were made for rehabilitation of these people and a financial package was also offered to them, but no one turned up’.
