Team Herald
MARGAO: In a surprising turn of events, concerns have been raised about a potential backdoor attempt to host the controversial events in South Goa, despite widespread opposition. The fears stem from a recent government circular directed at Comunidades, which has raised eyebrows among stakeholders due to its unprecedented nature and urgency.
The circular instructs Comunidades through the Collectors to identify and provide data on land available for holding “events.” Escrivaos (clerks) are required to submit details of available comunidade land, including survey numbers and areas, in consultation with managing committees by September 27, at 3 pm.
This development has sparked strong reactions from Comunidade stakeholders, who view it as a thinly veiled attempt to facilitate relocation of controversial events to South Goa on Comunidade land. One representative expressed skepticism, stating, “It looks to be still on because otherwise we’ve never heard of these exhibitions and events that the government has proposed.”
The stakeholders argue that this move appears linked to a recent amendment empowering the government to allocate land for events. They contend that if the government had genuinely needed land for exhibitions or events in the past, Comunidades would have been approached through proper channels.
A major point of contention is the instructions given to Escrivaos to identify suitable land. Representatives argue that these clerks, as administrative employees with no stake in the Comunidade, should not be tasked with such decisions. Instead, they insist that any land identification or allocation should be handled by the managing committee, which is elected by shareholders to oversee comunidade affairs.
The stakeholders emphasize that nothing should be done without the consent and approval of both the managing committee and the general body of the Comunidade. They express frustration with the government’s approach, viewing it as an attempt to bypass proper procedures.