Elvis Gomes, Convenor of Citizens for Democracy and the person behind the establishment of the Indoor stadium, raised concerns about the government’s move to lease the Shyama Prasad Stadium. He emphasized that the stadium is situated on Goa University land and cannot be leased without the consent of the Executive Council. He criticized the government’s actions, suggesting they are engaging in a “gifting spree” to the private sector.
Gomes questioned the hypocrisy of the government, pointing out how they object to the sub-letting of shacks while simultaneously considering leasing out a state-owned facility like the Shyama Prasad Stadium. His remarks reflect growing concerns over the privatization of public assets.
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Elvis expressed concerns about the government’s actions, highlighting how the stadium, initially built for university use and to promote local sports, is now being used for commercial purposes. He emphasized that the stadium, which had an investment of almost ₹200 crore, was intended for inter-college and inter-university competitions, as well as sports events like volleyball, basketball, and badminton. Elvis criticized the government’s decision to sell parts of Goa to private companies, undermining the stadium’s primary objective of fostering sports talent.
He also pointed out that the autonomy of the Goa University (GU) has diminished, with the university now functioning as an extended arm of the government. Elvis stressed that if the government is unable to maintain the stadium, it should collaborate with the university, industries, or other establishments, rather than selling it off. He emphasized that the responsibility for the stadium’s upkeep lies with Shripad Naik, MP of North Goa and chairman of the Goa Olympic Association, along with various sports associations in Goa.
Elvis further clarified that the land belongs to the Vice Chancellor and the University, unless it has been secretly leased to the government. His primary concern was that the stadium, instead of nurturing local talent, has become a commercial venture, deviating from its original purpose.
