Herald: The government has come under criticism over the proposed Regularisation of Unauthorized Structures and Encroachments Bill, with people claiming this is backdoor move to legalize all illegal structures.
Francis D’Souza: It is very sad that even before trying to understand the reasons, there are sections of people in Goa, who are ready to oppose every move of the government. This was a Budget promise made by then Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and we are trying to fulfill it. There is nothing called backdoor, it was announced on the floor of the House and we are very much transparent.
Herald: People also claim that this will be used as means to garner a ‘vote-bank’ ahead of the next Assembly elections?
D’Souza: If people consider the move as vote-bank system, then it’s a very good thing for the party. Every political party has it vote bank. If by doing this, someone guarantees us that this will turn into a vote bank for BJP, then it’s a very good sign.
Herald: Will public opinion be sought before finalizing the Act?
D’Souza: We will take everyone into confidence. The proposed bill is just in its draft stage. Not just Revenue department, but all the concerned departments are part of the drafting process. Through this new Act, we are just trying to give justice to those people, who have been living on the particular land for decades without any authorization. We don’t find anything wrong in that.
Herald: Will government undertake any survey to identify such residential structures?
D’Souza: Yes. A special survey will be undertaken by the Revenue department to identify the number of such illegal residential structures spread across the State.
