PONDA: The introduction of Bhumiputra Bill, where even migrant residing in a house would get right to their house unfurls the tenants and mundkars in Goa fighting for years for their right under Agriculture Tenancy Act and Mundkar Act 1964 urged government that if government really bothers and loves them then before implementing Bhumiputra Adhikarini Bill government should first look into the pending tenant, mundkarial cases and dispose them.
Government directs the Mamlatdar to expedite procedure and declare them owner of the land they are tilling and cultivating as also mundkars be declared owner of house they are in possession since their forefathers.
According to Ramkrishna Zalmi, Convener of Goycho Kul Mundkaracho Avaz, Government should direct mamlatdar to initiate procedure under Agricultural Tenancy Act and Mundak Act 1964 and amendment made to it from time to time. There are around 2000 mundkar cases pending in various Mamlatdar Court in Goa which is only 10 per cent of total numbers of Mundkars and tenants.
The cases are filed due to dispute or harassment by landlord. However in actual there are total 55000 mundkars and tenants existing in State. He said among this 60 per cent are mundkarial houses and 40 per cent are tenants who are cultivating land but have not filed with Mamlatdar for declaring them tenants or Mundkars. In such cases Mamlatdar start procedure for declaring them owner of the land and houses they are in possession. Tenants are deemed owners of the land they are cultivating but sanads are not given as there is no procedure by Mamlatdars.
In 2014 Government brought amendment in tenancy act and introduce sunset, contract farming clause but later withdrawn back as also cases were transferred to Mamlatdar but before that due to 3 years sunset clause those who had applied for their rights with Civil Court lost their right to land as cases were dismissed as two hundred fifty tenants were failed to provide documentary evidence ,Contrary to this there is no need of such proofs in Mamlatdar Court and tenants never lost cases in Mamlatdar court though they are pending.
Government should look into this problems said Ramkrishna Zalmi. Though many tenants are not in possession of money at rates declared by landlords and so never files petition with Mamlatdar Court to buy those lands.
