PORVORIM: After facing criticism, TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane withdrew four amendment bills, including the controversial TCP Amendment Bill on Monday. The bills withdrawn included the contentious The Goa Town and Country Planning (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2024, which evoked sharp responses and criticism from NGO, stakeholders etc
The Goa Town and Country Planning (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2024, was to come for discussion in the State Legislative Assembly on Monday. The bill had sought amendment to Section 19 of the original TCP Act to the effect that Outline Development Plans (ODPs) remain valid even if the planning area they pertain to are withdrawn as planning areas.
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Rane said, “I have no problem that the bill has been withdrawn but we will discuss how to move ahead. Nobody should worry as we will try to find a way out. Many people come to Goa. What to do? How hotels came up in many constituencies unless somebody sold his land. We do not force anybody to sell their land. If you have land it is your prerogative what to do with the land.”
Another section sought to be inserted through the amendment provides for granting finality to permissions for development granted by the TCP department and curtailed the powers of other State authorities to question these permissions under other State laws.
The amendment also sought to bar jurisdiction of courts by inserting sub-section: (i) no suit or other proceeding shall lie or be maintained or continued in any court challenging such approvals/certificates/reports.
Other bills withdrawn are The Goa Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2024, The Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2024, The City of Panaji Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Earlier, speaking during discussion on demands for grants for Town and Country Planning, Municipal Administration, Women and Child Development and Forests, Rane said the validation clause in TCP Act was not put by him but by the Law Department.
“When the Law Department suggests that this clause has to be there, then we have to insert that in the Act. We have withdrawn the bill and the Chief Minister has said that a solution will be found. In future whatever will be required will be done. Investment sentiment will not be allowed to be hurt,” Rane said.
