Team Herald
MARGAO: In a compelling call to action, renowned human rights activist Cyril Fernandes galvanized Goan citizens with demands for greater autonomy and policy reforms during an event organised by Goenchi Fudle Pingi Khatir (GFPK) in Margao on Wednesday evening. The session, which drew prominent community leaders and concerned citizens, offered a critical examination of Goa's development trajectory since its liberation in 1961.
Fernandes took the audience on a nostalgic journey through Goa's history while highlighting pressing contemporary issues facing the State. "Goans should be treated as equal partners in this nation, enjoying benefits like exemption from personal income tax and the right to protect our lands and resources. It's time we demand what is rightfully ours," he stated emphatically during his presentation.
Among his bold proposals was a call for the Goa Assembly to mandate Inner Line Permits for all visitors by 2027, arguing that "protecting our culture and environment must be paramount, just as it is for North Eastern states." His demands extended to the restoration of Comunidade lands to Goans, returning control over six rivers to the State, and bringing strategic assets like the Dabolim airport and Mormugao Port under State jurisdiction.
Fernandes highlighted numerous challenges currently impacting Goa's development, including agricultural decline affecting local farmers, educational sector issues, widening economic disparity, concerns over revenue allocation by the Central Government, demographic shifts, employment challenges for qualified youth, and soaring land prices driven by arbitrary zoning changes that threaten industrial growth, employment, and cultural integrity.
He emphasised that despite Goa being among India's top-performing States economically, "comparable to some European nations in terms of purchasing power," the State continues to be denied benefits granted to regions like Jammu & Kashmir and the North East. "This disparity is unjust, and it's time for change," he declared.
On employment protection, Fernandes stated, "All jobs should be reserved for Persons of Goan origin, just as special protections are given in regions like Ladakh. Non-residents should not be allowed to buy land freely, which threatens our cultural fabric and environment."
GFPK founder Jack Mascarenhas inaugurated the session, explaining that the presentation emerged from a recent brainstorming session inspired by Professor Mariano Pinheiro's article on Goa's "Lost Opportunities" – which argued that with better leadership since 1961, Goa could already have world-class universities and hospitals, with Goans leading global corporations alongside figures like Sundar Pichai or Satya Nadella.
Notable attendees included renowned Konkani writer Uday Bhembre, former Minister Alina Saldanha, Velim MLA Cruz Silva, ex-MLA Carlos Almeida, and other distinguished personalities.
Fernandes' presentation featured powerful visuals and historical insights that illustrated Goa's rich heritage and the need for proactive measures to protect it. His call to action resonated strongly with the audience, inspiring many to envision a self-reliant Goa where its people's rights and identity are safeguarded.
In his conclusion, Fernandes warned that unless political parties incorporate these demands into their manifestos, Goans must unite to advocate for their rights. "Our history, our culture, and our dignity are at stake," he declared, urging collective action.
President Jack Mascarenhas closed the session by emphasizing that Goa's future depends on dedicated individuals committed to selfless service. He highlighted the extraordinary contribution of people like 85-year-old Uday Bhembre, who serve their communities without seeking personal gain, and stressed the urgent need to identify and nurture such leaders to guide Goa toward sustainable growth.