Braganza: The Regional Plan 2021 was in the making from October 2007 to November 2011, a little over four years. It was notified in three releases, beginning October 2010 for Pernem and Canacona talukas and ending in November 2011 for Bardez, Tiswadi, Salcete and Mormugao talukas.
Then there were the (2012) Assembly elections and the Opposition BJP which promised to improve the RP 2021 in accordance with the wishes of the people of Goa, rode the wave of disenchantment and came to power.
Herald: What do you feel are the problems with the Regional Plan and the accusations against the government?
Braganza: The Regional Plan notified in the Official Gazette of Goa by the end of November 2011 was kept in abeyance in April 2012, and since June 2012 it has been selectively used on a ‘case-to-case’ basis depending on the size and content of the case, according to some knowledgeable sources. No one seems to know the legal position of RP 2021. Does the Goa TCP Act 1975 allow two Regional Plans in operation at the same time? Can one part of an older RP be used when a new RP has been notified and in force. Can an executive order override a Government Gazette notification? These are some questions begging for answers.
Herald:The Goa Bachao Abhiyan seems to be in a fix today. It can’t even get an appointment with the chief minister even though it has been accused of backing the government. What is your take on this?
Braganza: The GBA often faced the same dilemma as the Konkani Porjecho Avaz; that of co-option by the Government and its cohorts. From the clarion call to the people of Goa to rise on December 18, 2006, at the Azad Maidan, Panjim to the tacit surrender in mid-February 2008, at the Chief Minister’s residence where the Task Force on RP 2021 met the then Convener of the GBA, led to the change in the mandate of the Task Force on RP 2021.
Since then, other civil society organizations (CSOs) with similar looking initials as the GBA have been formed and created confusion.
This is not restricted to any political party, it is universal in its application.
