Activists have raised strong objections to the Goa government’s decision to lease prime tourism properties, including the ₹1,000 crore Yatri Niwas land and the site in front of Hotel Mandovi—to private parties. They questioned whether the government lacks the resources to develop these assets independently and provide direct employment opportunities to Goan youth. According to them, such actions deprive locals of jobs and long-term economic benefits.
Activists further pointed out that large portions of Goan land are already under the control of the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), public sector bodies, and private entities, which continues to erode local access and ownership.
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Criticism was also directed at opposition parties, whom the activists accuse of being complicit by not actively opposing the leasing of public lands to private interests. Despite the government’s claims of promoting tourism and generating employment, activists argue that leasing valuable public assets undermines self-reliance and fails to address Goa’s persistent unemployment problem, which remains higher than the national average.
They emphasized that, rather than relying on private investment, the government should prioritize sustainable development by investing in public projects and promoting skill development in tourism. This, they argue, would ensure that Goans are the primary beneficiaries of the state’s economic growth and cultural heritage.
Activists are calling for a transparent, community-centric approach that safeguards public assets while providing meaningful employment and economic opportunities for Goan youth. They warn that continued privatization without accountability could widen economic disparity and alienate locals from their own land.
