Panaji: Ruling party MLAs gathered on Friday for a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, where key demands included the scrapping of Section 39A of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act, finalisation of the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) 2019, and resolution of issues related to taxis, coal-handling, and recruitment through the Goa Staff Selection Commission (SSC).
The meeting was attended by MLAs from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), and independents. During the session, legislators engaged in heated exchanges over alliance matters and financial management.
Controversy over Section 39A
Cumbharjua MLA Rajesh Phaldesai raised the contentious issue of land conversion under Section 39A of the TCP Act. He urged the chief minister to intervene and scrap the provision. Phaldesai informed Sawant that while he had successfully reversed land conversions under Section 39A in his constituency, the provision remained active elsewhere, causing public backlash against MLAs.
CZMP and taxi issues
MGP MLA Jit Arolkar highlighted the need to finalise CZMP 2019 and resolve the long-standing taxi problem. Goa has faced criticism over high taxi fares, and cab operators have resisted the introduction of app-based aggregators in the state.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo proposed that the government implement a digital taxi policy within six weeks. He argued that such a policy would benefit both taxi owners and tourists seeking transparency when booking cabs.
Political tensions and other issues
Water Resources Department (WRD) Minister Subhash Shirodkar criticised the MGP for planning to open an election office in his Shiroda constituency. He warned that if MGP proceeded, he would open an office in the Marcaim constituency represented by MGP MLA and Power Minister Ramkrishna 'Sudin' Dhavalikar.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte raised concerns about SSC recruitment, stating that the process has created confusion among job seekers.
Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar brought up coal-handling operations at the Mormugao Port Authority, which he said is causing pollution in the port town. Sawant advised him to raise the issue during the Union Ports Minister's upcoming visit to the state.
The chief minister also briefed MLAs on his recent visit to Delhi and party initiatives, including tree plantation drives along national highways.
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