Team Goemkarponn
THIVIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has expressed strong support for the establishment of a private university in Tivim, despite opposition from local residents. The university, which will be set up by MIT University on a 2 lakh square meter plot of land, has faced criticism from some locals who claim the land was transferred at an unfair price by the local comunidade in collaboration with the government. Protesters have vowed to challenge the project legally, alleging it is part of a larger land grab scheme.
Sawant dismissed these allegations, accusing certain individuals of opposing the project for political reasons. He assured that once the university is established, it would bring significant benefits to the region, including job creation and infrastructure development.
“I have informed MIT University that 100 percent of non-teaching positions should be reserved for locals from Tivim and nearby areas,” Sawant said, emphasizing that the community would directly benefit from the development. He also noted that the university would stimulate local businesses, such as restaurants and lodging services.
“The people of Tivim are fortunate to have a double engine government, with their MLA as a minister and a Rajya Sabha MP representing them. They have the opportunity to get work done both at the State and Central levels,” Sawant added.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a lake beautification project near the historic Mahaganpati Temple in Madel, Tivim. The project, initiated by the Tourism Department and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), is estimated to cost Rs 3 crore.
Sawant clarified that the land for the university was legally transferred by the local comunidade after completing all necessary formalities and reiterated that the institution would lead to overall development in the region.
In a political statement, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the BJP would secure victory in the 2027 Assembly elections. He also cautioned against attempts to divide people based on religion and caste.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, Fisheries Minister and Tivim MLA Nilkanth Halarnkar, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Tanavade, and other dignitaries were also present at the event.
