THURSDAY, MAY 09, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: Taking serious of the illegal land grab cases reported across Goa, the illegalities on Comunidade land and amendments to the Code of Comunidades took centre stage at the Comunidade Convention, which resolved to come up with foolproof measures to curb illegal constructions or encroachments on Comunidade lands.
At the convention held at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) auditorium, Dona Paula on Sunday, the members demanded that the Gaonkars be taken into confidence through a pre-legislative consultation if any amendment to the Code of Comunidades was to be made.
The convention sought action against illegal appointment of staff in administration, resolved that records be digitised, full time administrators be appointed and the convention be held twice in every three years instead of five years.
Measures to make managing committee elections more transparent were also discussed. A resolution was passed to give additional powers to the community heads to expedite the disposal of cases of encroached illegal houses.
The members demanded that the State government should preserve the separation and independence of the communities in Goa.
The convention resolved that there should be pre-legislative consultations before the comunidades prior to any amendment being done. In case of all amendments that have already taken place, the legality and the constitutionality of those amendments should be examined by the government and appropriate action should be taken.
It was also resolved to call upon the government to tone up the administration offices and make the procedures time bound. The convention asked to look into the issue of shortage of employees and also illegally appointed employees.
The convention also discussed the issue of administrative buildings.
It was resolved that the administrative offices be renovated but by the funds contributed by the comunidade of the zones. The convention decided that comunidade records be digitised. With regards to administrative records, it was decided that records rooms of the zonal offices be made up-to-date and records be preserved properly.
An intense discussion took place for accommodating women in the Comunidade offices. However, it was decided that the matter should be examined in more detail and more consultation should be done.
It was also decided that agriculture be revitalised on the lines of Maharashtra Tenancy Act. There was unanimous voice that the comunidades are opposed to regularisation of encroachments on their lands. It was also decided that the attorney should be empowered to deal with the illegal constructions. They should be given power to stop work order. It was also resolved that any attorney who would persistently fail to take action against illegal construction should be banned from holding any office in the comunidade for life.
The convention also discussed the revival of old Comunidade. It was recommended that the government assist Comunidade members to revive the old Comunidades. It was also recommended that the government should assist the Comunidades to prepare the inventory of their land records which is known as Tombo books.
Secretary (Revenue) Sandip Jacques and both the District Collectors were present during the convention.
The final report of the convention will be submitted to the State government for implementation.
Village groups protest outside convention venue
Claim that the convention is another bid to rob village community lands
PANJIM: Representatives of various village groups protested outside the venue of the Comunidade Convention held at NIO auditorium, Dona Paula, on Sunday.
The protestors pointed out that the convention is in total contradiction to the spirit and nature of the Comunidades of Goa, and is another attempt to rob the village community lands and destroy the 4,000-year-old Gaonkaris of Goa.
They claimed that the only aim of the government was to rob Comunidade lands at any cost, forcing the indigenous communities to fight back and struggle to stop the robbery and destruction.
The indigenous and local communities of Goa, who are the real Gaonkars and the ‘Rakhondars’ of Goa, have been completely dispossessed and disempowered by the Government and the present Managing Committees of the Comunidades of Goa, they said, adding at the same time, the basic nature of the Gaonkaris (Comunidades) has been cruelly warped to defeat the objectives of the 4,000 years old socio-economic system that has mothered our culture, abundance, and community spirit.
As a result of the assault on the Village Commons, the 12,000 years old living civilization, spirituality, culture, environment, and economies of Goa are in tatters, on the verge of permanent destruction, they said.
The villagers said the Comunidade lands are village common lands that cannot be alienated, and that the Comunidades of Goa are the Gaonkaris of the indigenous and local communities, with which the State can never interfere.
“The provisions of International Law in the case of an annexation (like Goa) bind the Government of India to the agreement signed by the Portuguese not to interfere in the land tenure of the Comunidades, which means that the Comunidade Convention and all interference by the State are a fraud on the people of Goa,” they said.
Government to prioritise resolution on pending comunidade issues: Minister
Monserrate says encroachment cases will be expedited within a year
PANJIM: Revenue Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate on Sunday said resolution of pending Comunidade issues and the protection of their lands will be prioritised.
Addressing convention of Comunidades at National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) auditorium, Dona Paula, Monserrate said encroachment cases will be expedited within a year, with Administrators directed to utilise powers under the Goa Land Prohibition of Construction Act, 1995.
“The government stands ready to support administrators with infrastructure and manpower. Field surveyors have been deployed to aid in the survey of encroached lands, and the government is taking proactive measures,” he said.
Recognising the need for the revival of inactive comunidades, the government has initiated due procedures, supported by amendments to Article 70, he said.
“Article 334-C now mandates Comunidade consent for government land acquisition. The government annually grants Rs 250 lakh for employee salaries under the grant-in-aid policy. Articles 339-A, 339-B and 652 have been introduced to address discussions, protection, and suggestions for Comunidade progress,” he said.
Cooperation between Comunidade bodies and the government is pivotal for societal good, the Minister noted.
Later speaking to reporters outside the venue, Monserrate said, “What needs to be taken care of will be taken care of. I am also Gaonkar of one of the Comunidades so I am looking at the issues sympathetically. Rest assured all the issues will be resolved.”
