Goemkarponn desk
VALPOI: Confusion prevailed in Sattari over the Bhumiputra Bill, as there is mixed reaction to the recently passed by the Assembly.
While one group supports the government’s Bill, another group aggressively protests by holding public awareness meetings in different villages of Sattari.
The State government passed the Bhumiputra Bill in the recently concluded assembly session, which led to protests and criticism of the government, forcing the government to bring in changes in the Bill.
Even today, this Bill is facing strong opposition in Goa.
In Sattari taluka, however, there was opposition in the early days, but after studying this Bill, some Bhumiputras say that this Bill is for the benefit of Sattari taluka.
On the other hand, another group has opposed saying it is not in the interest of Goans.
The Bill gathered tremendous support at public awareness and discussion meetings held at Kanekar Hall in Valpoi.
Ganpat Gavkar, Ranjit Rane, Rajesh Gavkar, Ram Melekar, Vithoba Gavas, while presenting their views on the platform, said that the government passed the Bill in the interest of Goa.
They said that after the liberation of Goa in Sattari taluka, no one has taken up land ownership.
They further stated that Dr Pramod Sawant government has clarified that this Bill will be very helpful to get ownership of land in Sattari taluka.
“This will give ownership to about 95 per cent of the houses in Sattari taluka. Right now, these houses are completely illegal,” speakers said.
The speaker said that the Bill will give legal status to the Sattari local’s houses and lands.
They warned that if the government tries to repeal the Bill, they will o take to the streets and protest.
On the other hand, Vishwesh Parab Hridayanath Shirodkar, Ganpati Jharmekar Batu Gawde, has completely opposed this Bill.
In this regard, public awareness meetings are being held in large numbers in different villages of Sattari taluka.
These meetings are getting a good response. As a result, the population in the rural areas of Sattari taluka is completely confused as to what is right and what is wrong.
The Sattarkars felt the government has to come out clean on the issue.
They alleged that the people who supported the BIll are all BJP karyakartas, and the meeting was arranged after the BJP was losing popularity for supporting migrants.
When contacted by Vishwas Parab, he said he would oppose the Bill with three times more crowds than his attendance at the rally held on Sunday. Rather than rally and support the government, he said the people must inform the Bhumiputras about how this Bill will harm the locals.
“Misleading them could be even more dangerous in the future,” he said.
