Team Herald
MARGAO: Demanding that the Chief Minister reject the proposal to bifurcate North Goa PDAs, former Nuvem MLA Mickky Pacheco has objected to the plans of posting Atanasio “Babush” Monserrate on any of the PDAs to avoid a repeat of 2005 episode on Regional Plan and the ex-Santa Cruz MLA’s involvement in the irregularities.
Mickky has alleged that in 2005, TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai and Babush Monserrate were middlemen in land conversion deals. “The demand of the TCP Ministry is not a casual one but to fulfil the commitments made for the land dealing in 2005,” Pacheco charged.
“When one demands a particular ministry like TCP he plans to make money,” Mickky alleged. “BJP government decided on the Regional Plan and planned on village development back in 2002. But later Parrikar had to strip Babush of the TCP portfolio following allegations of major irregularities. We don’t need a repeat of the same episode in Goa,” he said.
When asked whether he has spoken to Parrikar on this, Pacheco said, “I don’t need to tell him personally as my relationship with Parrikar is good.”
But on behalf of people of Goa I demand that Parrikar shouldn’t accept the demand of bifurcation of PDAs,” Mickky said.
Launching a scathing attack on Vijai, Mickky said, “The TCP Minister instead of helping the poor marginalised Goenkars, is helping the land lobby by trying to allow backdoor entry of the 2005 commitments “.
“If the Chief Town Planner has been taken to task by the TCP minister, it means the minister himself is not capable of the post. In fact I feel that the intention to remove the CTP is because you cannot do what you want to do,” Mickky alleged.
By means of bifurcation attempts are being made to be finalise some old settlements and properties, which have been purchased, he further charged.
“The same episode has started, which took place in 2005 and the Chief Minister has to remain alert. The government cannot be blackmailed and has to work for the people of the state” he said.
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Success of PDA bifurcation can be evaluated only later: Mauvin
PANJIM: Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho has hinted his support to the proposal on formation of new planning and development authorities (PDAs) as announced by the Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai. However, he has pitched for making procedures easier for the public to secure permissions. He said, “In any case any proposal has to go through the Town and Country Planning Department, here it will go to the PDAs, which are also under the TCP Department. Whether it is worthwhile and it will make a difference in easing the procedures for the public or it is for public good, will have to be evaluated and accordingly decisions will be taken.”
