United Goans Foundation (UGF) criticised the government’s adamancy to set up Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at Melauli, Valpoi despite protests from villagers.
The NGO suggested that IIT be shifted to Quitol or Verna or to any alternate government land large space of which are lying idle for several years. A representation, on this proposal, has been made to the Ministry of Education, Goa Governor, Goa Chief Minister and Valpoi MLA.
“The government of the day is bereft of ideas or/and their whole idea of any development is basically skewed. Whatever developments they (government) think they are bringing to Goa are against the wishes of the people. It is planned without actually involving the people of that respective place and we have seen for years together since SEZ to the present day IIT,” said Ashish Kamat of UGF, while addressing a press conference.
UGF also expressed concerned that government is under the wrong assumption that the people of Goa are against the development. “It is a wrong assumption. The problem is that, the politicians always come with projects with vested interests and then they try to impose it on the people by hook or by crook,” Kamat alleged.
The NGO further pointed that despite sustained protest by the Melauli locals which have also disbanded their normal lives, the police have resorted to harassment of the villagers. “Valpoi MLA Vishwajit Rane who in July 2020 or till 14 days back, was merciless and arrogant in saying that IIT will come up in Valpoi, has now turned around and said IIT be shifted. We all know IIT will bring laurels to Goa, but the government does not involve the people of Goa,” the activists alleged.
