Team Goemkarponn
Porvorim: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed the government’s willingness to revisit the existing legal provisions concerning individuals born in Goa, stating that any such review would be in the interest of Goans and aimed at preserving their identity.
Speaking in the Assembly amid loud protests by the Opposition, Sawant highlighted that the Goa Succession, Special Notaries and Inventory Proceeding Act already defines categories of people governed by the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867. He said the law covers those born in Goa to parents governed by the Portuguese Civil Code, as well as those born outside Goa but falling under the same legal framework.
He also referenced the 1995 Official Gazette which, he said, already clarifies the legal position on this matter. “We are committed to revisiting and reinforcing the Goa Succession Act to address contemporary challenges and protect Goans’ interests,” Sawant told the House.
The discussion came in response to a Private Member’s Resolution moved by Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) MLA Viresh Borkar. The resolution called for a statutory definition of the terms ‘Goans’ and ‘Persons of Goan Origin’ to safeguard the rights and identity of the local population and to curb demographic shifts. However, the resolution was ultimately rejected by the House.
Tensions flared during the debate as Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar refused to allow further discussion, leading to a walkout and protests by Opposition members. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao tore and flung a copy of the 1995 Gazette in protest, prompting sharp objections from the treasury benches.
Amid the commotion, Borkar continued to press his demand for the formation of a high-level committee to safeguard Goan identity. He was eventually marshalled out of the House after repeated warnings for disrupting proceedings.
