PORVORIM: The State Legislative Assembly on Thursday granted permission for the government to retract the contentious Goa Bhumiputra Adhikarini Bill, 2021.
The legislation had aimed to establish a framework for conferring ownership rights upon self-occupied dwelling units. If ratified, the bill would have extended ownership privileges to individuals residing in the State for 30 years or more, provided ownership had not been determined thus far.
Law and Judiciary Minister Nilesh Cabral tabled a motion for the Bill’s withdrawal, prompting queries from the Opposition. “Why was the bill introduced in the dead of night? And now, why is its withdrawal being pursued?” asked Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, alleging that the bill catered more to non-Goans than to the local populace. LoP Yuri Alemao added, “We (Opposition) stand behind the Bill. Kindly elucidate the rationale behind its withdrawal.”
