Goa CM: Goa Agricultural Land Bill Will Prevent Conversion Of Paddy Fields To Non-Agricultural Purpose

Goa's Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, has justified the recently passed ‘Goa Restriction on Transfer of Agricultural Land Bill,’ stating that it will help safeguard the state's paddy fields from being acquired by buyers for non-agricultural purposes.  

The legislation is aimed at imposing constraints on the transfer of agricultural land to preserve and protect paddy cultivation. Although opposition parties had raised concerns about the bill, it was still approved by the Goa Assembly on March 31, the final day of the session.

According to reports, the leader of opposition Yuri Alemao, along with Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai and other legislators, alleged that the government aimed to promote the farmhouse culture in the state through the Bill.

In response to these claims, Chief Minister Sawant stated in an interview with PTI on Tuesday that even though the Opposition parties may not have displayed trust, the citizens of Goa have faith in the government.

Mr. Sawant stated that the Bill has been formulated with the best interests of the people of Goa in mind. He further explained that this Bill is the second of its kind to be enacted by the State in the last six decades, with the primary objective of protecting the paddy fields, following the Goa Agriculture Tenancy Act.

The Chief Minister of Goa stated that the recently proposed bill will limit people from regions such as Delhi and other states outside of Goa from buying paddy fields in the area and converting them for real estate purposes.

He clarified that the bill specifically restricts the sale of paddy fields for non-agricultural activities. However, non-agriculturists are permitted to buy the land for agricultural purposes, with the condition that they utilize it within three years. If they fail to do so, the government will take over the land.

Mr. Sawant lauded Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira for proposing a modification to the Bill while reprimanding other lawmakers for opposing it. He pointed out that certain Opposition MLAs were displeased due to the apprehension that the Bharatiya Janata Party or Dr. Pramod Sawant would receive recognition for this Bill.

Mr. Sawant has suggested that certain individuals are opposed to the Agricultural Bill due to their desire to sell agricultural land. He expressed uncertainty regarding the identity of those who may be supporting them, but he noted that they are attacking the government with regard to the Bill. He further added that their focus should be on preserving the environment.

-PTI 

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