PORVORIM: Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte criticised the manner in which the government had tried to “bulldoze” the Goa Bhumiputra Adhikarini Bill 2021 and the Goa Mineral Development Corporation Bill 2021.
While addressing the media persons on Friday, Khaunte said both the Bills were improper and alleged that they were part of the government’s “election strategy” as opposed to being well-thought of Bills that could help the public. Instead, he alleged the Bills suit vested interests such as the land mafia in the case of the Bhumiputra Bill. He demanded a public hearing be held.
He also cited flaws in the statements made by the Chief Minister regarding the population of Goa in 1971 and listed out existing Acts that could have tackled the same issues that the Bhumiptura Bill intended to address.
Khaunte said, “Sawant was misleading the public on mining and questioned if the State had sought permission from the Centre to start the mining corporation and if the Central laws on mining allow State governments to enact an independent Act.”
