It has become a norm these days for elected representatives to make laws without discussion. The concept of collective wisdom is lost on our great law makers. This malaise is not limited to Goa, where we saw the pathetically drafted Bhumiputra Bill get passed in the Assembly, but the same is happening even in Parliament. After passing the bill, following the uproar from a cross section of society, comments and suggestions were invited. Classic case of putting the cart before the horse.
While volumes can be written about this bill, the purpose is to draw your attention to a great danger that is on the horizon because people who are supposed to represent the interests of Goa were caught napping in Parliament, or if awake did not bother to take it seriously. We have a total of three MPs in the Parliament. Two from the ruling party and one from opposition. One is even MoS for Shipping. All were silent. Why?
There are two bills relating to ports in Parliament, Major Ports Authority Bill, passed in Feb 21 and the Indian Ports Bill still under consideration.
The Major Ports Authority Bill passed in both Houses of Parliament, seems innocuous, and most would believe by the title that it concerns the operation of ports and therefore of no concern to the average citizen. Wrong, very wrong. This Bill usurps all the power given to local bodies and authorities. In Goa, the definition of port extends from Betul to Dona Paula and villages along river banks. This Bill designates the Marmagoa Port Board (MPB), as the sole authority. This law makes the Marmagoa Port Trust defunct.
Can the renamed avatar of MPT be trusted to operate such a large area in the interest of Goa? Given that they cannot run just the port area properly, an entity who is not concerned with what is good for Goa. If they were would they have tried to increase revenues by increasing coal handling, knowing that coal would have and effect on Goa as a tourist destination? Or would they have pushed for increasing container movement by developing necessary infrastructure to turn around vessels quickly? Would they have tried to develop Goa into a logistics hub, given its proximity to the railway, highway and Inland Container deport at Bali? Would they not have developed a cruise terminal which would compliment Goa’s standing as a tourist destination?
MPB is now the designated arm of the Central Government to do whatever it pleases irrespective of the wishes and rights of the local people, bypassing even the State Government.
MPT has and is in the process of handing over its operations to private entities, meaning MPT does not do anything, they hive off the asset for others to run. Imagine a scenario where an entire beach property is given to a third party to do what they wish. The State Government has already admitted in the assembly that this Bill overrides any and every local body or law. So, no panchayat will be able to question the private entity, gram sabhas even less. The TCP which is supposed to regulate constructions and ensure verify land use will not be able to do anything. Khazan lands, no development lands will be available for “development”.
Then to strengthen the tentacles of the powers that be, we have another Indian Ports Bill (IPB) in the pipeline, this recognises the powers of the MPA Bill over Major Ports, but has additional power to designate any part of any navigable river or channel under their jurisdiction. The IPB will use State Maritime Boards to administer the area under it, but again, these boards will not be under the jurisdiction of the State.
In this Bill, they have talked about reclamation, the Board can decide to reclaim land and the authority to decide its use also will be with the Maritime board. What will stop this board from taking over prime river front land and handing it over to private parties to develop with the State and its people having no say? This law is in the pipeline and our representatives will do well to sit up and ensure it does not override Goa and Goans.
If 16B was introduced in TCP to favour the powers that be making a quick buck at the cost of all development rules, the two Port bills will make it look small in comparison. This is another phenomenon that is noticed in law making. New Bills override existing laws i.e. the new law is used as a BYPASS. These two bills give the same powers, they are not bound by any existing laws. In that case why have the laws, if they are redundant and blocking so called development, repeal them and let everyone benefit, why only make laws that are convenient for a select few. In case of the ports bills, the Government is not responsible for any acts of omission or commission of the Board. Sweeping powers without responsibility.
It is necessary that our representatives in Parliament, our State MLA’s get together and decide how best they can work together to safe guard the interests of Goa and Goans. Simply, being yes men and avoiding discussion on these issues, be it linear projects or the Port bills, is going to cost Goa and Goans dearly. UTT GOENKAR. VIVA GOA.
(The author prefers to write rather than chat in a balcao.)
