Goa Agricultural Land Bill will save paddy fields from being taken over for non-agricultural purposes: CM Pramod Sawant
The Hindu
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has defended the Goa Restriction on Transfer of Agricultural Land Bill, claiming it will save the coastal State’s paddy fields from being taken over by buyers for non-agriculture purposes.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has defended the Goa Restriction on Transfer of Agricultural Land Bill, claiming it will save the coastal State's paddy fields from being taken over by buyers for non-agriculture purposes.
The legislation seeks to impose restrictions on the transfer of agricultural land to preserve and protect paddy cultivation. The Bill was passed in the Goa Assembly on March 31, the last day of the recently concluded session, even as the Opposition parties had raised an objection to it.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai and other legislators had claimed that the government wanted to encourage farmhouse culture in the State through the Bill.
Talking to PTI on Tuesday, CM Sawant said though the Opposition parties may not have shown trust, Goans have faith in the government.
“We have drafted the Bill keeping the interest of Goans at heart. That is why after the Goa Agriculture Tenancy Act, this is the second such Bill in the last 60 years enacted by the State to safeguard the paddy fields,” Mr. Sawant said.
The Chief Minister said this will restrict people from places such as Delhi and other States (non-Goans) from purchasing the paddy fields in Goa and "converting" them (for real estate purpose).