PANJIM: Heated discussion which turned into accusation was
witnessed in the house on Friday between Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai and
Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho over land conversions. It was Vijai who
claimed that IPB has converted 5.24 lakhs Natural forest cover and also the
agricultural land illegally. However minister Mauvin Godinho claimed that this
is not true and no land has been converted.
Vijai further raised the issue of the no of lands converted till date.
This resulted in heated discussion in the house and also demanded a house
committee and investigation in this issue. He further added that IPB is being
misused for land conversion. Adding on he also asked for an assurance from
Government that an evaluation report of IPB be prepared as per IPB Policy so
that we know enough Goan’s are skilled to work under projects started under IPB
policy.
It was Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa who raised the questioned that 16
plots at IDC area in Quitol Quepem are lying idle. IPB is not able to attract
any investors. Will there be any development here? The Industry Minister
replied that the IDC area in Quitol is very important to us & definitely
needs to be developed & I am in discussion with CM regards to same.
Moreover, the Chief Minister said 2,899 jobs for locals were
created under proposals cleared by the Investment Promotion Board.
