Goa Legislative Assembly

“This House strongly recommends the Government to enact a Legislation, in a time bound manner and in any case not later than six months, to establish and regulate crematorium/burial grounds for all sections of the society, at all Panchayats in the State of Goa. The Government to acquire land and set up facilities at the earliest and hand them over to local self-Government bodies for the benefit of all sections of society as in many places in Goa people are still facing grave difficulties in conducting final rites of the deceased members in a dignified manner”.
 

This House urges the Central Government in its wisdom to take all such necessary steps, including appropriate Legislative measures, to ameliorate the social and economic chaos which has befallen the State of Goa and its economy, due to the complete closure of Mining operations in the State. The Legislative measures are needed to harmonise mining law specifically enacted for  Mining Concessions in Goa with the amendment of 2015 to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 by the Central Government so as to ensure that under the federal spirit, Goa is on an even keel with the rest of the Country keeping in mind its uniqueness.

SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR, Chief Minister replied to the points raised by the Mover.

The Resolution was passed unanimously.

This House strongly recommends the Government to implement meters in all the Taxis in Goa forthwith, and also to come out with strong legislations, to enforce the taxi permit conditions, so that the tourists, as well as the locals are not over charged, as Goa is getting a bad name on account of high handedness of certain taxi operators. 

SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR, Chief Minister replied to the points raised by the Mover.

The Resolution was withdrawn by the leave of the House.

“Attention of the House is drawn as regards the works taken by contractors who are quoting 35% to 45% below the estimated cost put to tender by which quality of works is likely to be affected, thus leading to sub standard works. The steps the Government intends to take in this regard”.   

Attention of the House is drawn to provide homes to the homeless through the Scheme for Rural Homeless.  The steps the Government intends to take in this regard

“Attention of the House is drawn to the attempt to create fear and anxiety by misrepresenting the provisions of the Goa Escheats, Forfeiture and Bona Vacantia Act, 2024, whose principles are embedded in the Constitution of India, specially within Article 296. The Bill seeks to protect land of Goans specially those lying vacant and abandoned and are at risk from illegal encroachments, fraudulent transfers and land grabbers. The steps the Government will take to clarify and counter the false propaganda on the said Act”.

Attention of the House is called as regards the residents of Rivona, Caurem Pirla, and surrounding villages due to frequent power outages and long periods of irregular power supply. Poor power infrastructure has led to these frequent power cuts which has caused major hardships to the day to day functioning of the locals. The steps the Government intends to take and the time frame within which the issue will be resolved.

Attention of the House is called to the cultivators specially seasonal traditional cultivators from Farmagudi, Bandora and surrounding areas of Ponda and Quepem Taluka not being original owners of land due to washing out and damage of seasonal crops like Cucumber, Bitter Gourd, Ridge Gourd, Brinjal, Radish, Pumpkin, Jasmine Flowers, etc. due to heavy rainfall for the past 15 days; being the only business of local people and they being dependent entirely on this seasonal earning. The steps Government intends to take to provide financial assistance to these local traditional cultivators

Shri Nilesh Cabral, MLA moved the following:

“This House congratulates Mrs. Hema Sardessai a Goan singing sensation for being selected by Tony Mercedes to sing for Prestigious Hollywood Music Albums in U.S.A., thus bringing name and fame to the State of Goa on the International Singing field.”

The following Members spoke on the Motion:-

1. Shri Nilesh Cabral, MLA                                                              …….   3 13 PM
2. Shri Glenn Ticlo Souza, MLA                                                     …….   3 17 PM
3.  Shri Mauvin Godinho, Minister for Panchayats                 …….   3 18 PM
4.  Shri Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister                                 …….   3 21 PM
5. Shri Michael Lobo, Deputy Speaker                                       …….   3 22 PM

The Motion was adopted unanimously.

Shri Nilesh Cabral, MLAmoved the following:

“This House congratulates Shri Sandesh Sonu Naik resident of Ribandar who have awarded “The outstanding Achiever of the Year Award” the top lion award from CITY & GUILDS, London and is the first Asian who win the lion award from CITY and GUILDS, London also was chosen for the award from over 20 lakhs students worldwide.”

SHRI NILESH CABRAL, MLA moved the following:

“This House congratulates Master Anurag Mhamal for becoming First Goan Grandmaster in the International Chess Games thus bringing pride and glory to Goa.”

The following Members spoke on the Motions:-

1. Shri Chandrakant Kavalekar, Leader of Opposition..   12 36 PM
2. Shri Nilesh Cabral, MLA                                              ……    12 43 PM
3. Shri Digambar Kamat, MLA                                        ……    12 43 PM
4. Shri Pravin Zantye, MLA                                             ……    12 45 PM
5. Shri Antonio Fernandes, MLA                                    ……    12 47 PM
6. Shri Prasad Gaonkar, MLA                                          ……    12 50 PM
7. Shri Churchill Alemao, MLA                                       ……    12 51 PM
8. Shri Glenn Souza Ticlo, MLA                                      ……    12 52 PM
9. Shri Manohar Azgaonkar, Minister for Sports    ……    12 53 PM

10. Dr. Pramod Sawant, Speaker                         ……    12 59 PM

The Motions were adopted unanimously.

Shri Nilesh Cabral, MLA moved the following:

“This House congratulates Suvet Satish Lotlikar for winning an individual Gold in Bench Press event by lifting 60kgs and also in the composite event bench press 60kg, squat 70 kgs and dead lift 77.25 kgs also for Gold in his weight group of 74-83 kgs in Power Lifting Championship held for Special Olympics Bharat at Kolhapur from 9^th to 14^th July, 2017 and who was an only Goan participant in this event.”

The following Members spoke on the Motion:-

1. Shri Nilesh Cabral, MLA                                            ……    3 19 PM
2. Shri Carlos Almeida, MLA                                        ……    3 22 PM
3. Shri Deepak Pauskar, MLA                                       ……    3 23 PM
4. Shri Glenn Souza Ticlo, MLA                                   ……    3 24 PM
5. Smt. Alina Saldanha, MLA                                        ……    3 25 PM
6. Shri Prasad Gaonkar, MLA                                       ……    3 27 PM
7. Shri Chandrakant Kavalekar, Leader of Opposition..3 28 PM
8. Shri Manohar Azgaonkar, Minister for Sports……     3 29 PM
9. Dr. Pramod Sawant, Speaker                                  ……    3 32 PM

The Motion was adopted unanimously.

SHRI NILESH CABRAL, MLA moved the following:
“This House condoles the death of Fr. Peter Rodrigues, Superior of Agnel Ashram,Verna,Goa who founded most of the Institutions in the Verna Educational Hub this includes PCCE Engineering College and Catering College, Innovation Centre and also founded the newly Commissioned Engineering college of Assagao.more than 7000 students are benefited by this noble caused founded by him annually. In his death Goa has lost a Educationalist who has founded and conveys the deep sympathies to his Institute who had been able Administrator.”
3
The following Members spoke on the Condolatory Motions:
1. Shri Nilesh Cabral, MLA…………………………………12 40 PM
2. Shri Aleixo R. Lourenco, MLA…………………………..12 41 PM
3. Shri Francisco M. Pacheco, MLA………………………...12 41PM
4. Shri Digambar Kamat, MLA………………………..........12 44PM
5. Shri Mauvin Godinho, MLA………………………..........12 45 PM
6. Shri Pratapsingh R. Rane, Leader of Opposition….....12 47 PM
7. Shri Ramkrishna Dhavalikar, Minister for PWD…….12 49 PM
8. Shri Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister………….......12 53 PM

Hon’ble Speaker Sir,

Fear and anxiety in the minds of people regarding the safety and hygiene of food served at public and institutional establishments, particularly when such concerns arise from facilities serving Government employees and members of the public.

Recently, the Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Goa, during a surveillance drive at Porvorim, North Goa, inspected four establishments, including three canteens serving Government offices and one private restaurant. The FDA found serious structural deficiencies and poor kitchen hygiene in all three Government-office canteens and directed them to stop operations until compliance is verified.

This incident raises a larger concern regarding the regular monitoring of food safety standards in Government offices, hospitals, educational institutions, hostels and other public institutions, where large numbers of citizens depend on such food facilities.

I therefore urge the Government to ensure regular and mandatory inspections of all Government and institutional canteens, kitchen hygiene, potable water, pest-control measures and food-storage practices, along with strict action against violations.

I request the Hon’ble Minister to inform this House what further steps the Government intends to take to strengthen inspections, ensure compliance and prevent any compromise with the health and safety of citizens consuming food at Government and institutional canteens across Goa.

There is growing anxiety among students and youth regarding the delay in establishing a permanent Taluka Library in Curchorem in South Goa.

At present a public library is functioning in the constituency; however, it is operating from a rented premises with limited space and infrastructure, which restricts the number of students and readers who can benefit from it. Over the years, the demand for a proper and well-equipped library facility in this region has grown significantly, particularly among students preparing for competitive examinations and higher studies.

The Government had earlier proposed the establishment of a Taluka Library at Curchorem, which would serve not only the people of Curchorem but also students from neighbouring areas such as Sanvordem, Sanguem and Dharbandora. However, despite the announcement of the project, it is learnt that even the foundation for the proposed library building has not yet been laid, resulting in considerable disappointment among the youth and academic community.

Many students from interior areas are often compelled to travel to cities like Margao and Panaji to access proper library facilities and study spaces, which poses practical difficulties for those from modest backgrounds.

I would therefore like to ask the Government whether it will expedite the construction of the proposed Taluka Library at Curchorem and provide a timeline for the commencement and completion of the project. I would also request the Government to consider establishing a modern library with adequate reading halls, digital resources and study facilities so that the students and youth of the region can fully benefit from this important educational infrastructure.

I request the Government to inform this House about the steps it intends to take in this regard.

I rise to bring to the attention of this House an issue in the minds of people in the neighbouring areas of my constituency.

Recently, a serious incident of house-breaking and theft was reported from Vilian Bhati in the Sanguem Constituency, where unknown miscreants allegedly broke open the door of a residential house during daytime and decamped with jewellery worth approximately Rs 2.5 lakh along with cash. Such incidents occurring in broad daylight have caused serious concern among residents of the surrounding areas as well.  

Sir, Sanguem shares close geographical and social proximity with the Curchorem Constituency, and therefore such criminal activities naturally create fear and anxiety among people residing in nearby villages as well. Many residents are now worried about the safety of their homes and property, especially during daytime when families step out for work.

Incidents of house-breaking and theft not only disturb public peace but also erode the sense of security among citizens. It becomes important that the law enforcement authorities take proactive measures to prevent such crimes and strengthen patrolling in vulnerable areas.

I would like to request the Government to inform this House what immediate steps the Government proposes to take to strengthen policing, increase surveillance and prevent such incidents of theft  in Sanguem and adjoining areas so that the confidence of the people is restored.

Fear and anxiety prevailing in the minds of people, particularly shopkeepers and small business owners in Curchorem constituency and other parts of the State, as many commercial establishments are presently functioning from buildings that are in a dilapidated and unsafe condition.

In several market areas these buildings have aged considerably and have not undergone proper structural repairs or redevelopment for many years. Despite visible deterioration, numerous shopkeepers continue to operate their livelihood from these premises as they have no viable alternative. This situation poses a serious threat to the safety of occupants, workers, and customers visiting these establishments on a daily basis.

One of the key concerns relates to the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) restrictions applicable to such old structures. In many cases, the existing FAR of the building may already be fully utilised, which discourages or complicates redevelopment. As a result, owners and tenants find themselves trapped in unsafe buildings without a practical redevelopment option that can accommodate existing occupants and commercial units.

Given the potential risk to public safety and the livelihood concerns of the shopkeepers, there is a growing demand for a clear policy framework that will facilitate safe redevelopment of such dilapidated commercial buildings while protecting the interests of existing occupants.

I therefore urge the Government to examine this matter with seriousness and consider appropriate measures ensures both safety and continuity of livelihood for shopkeepers.

I would like to ask what steps the Government intends to take in this regard.

Fear and anxiety in the minds of the people of Cacora village in Quepem Taluka due to suspicious construction activity and the reported stacking of hazardous gas cylinders at property bearing Survey No. 98/6, located immediately next to Chetna Education Society.

This school caters to children with special needs and is situated in a populated area along the main road. It has been brought to my notice that a structure is presently coming up in the said property and as per local information, the Curchorem Cacora Municipal Council has not issued any permission for such construction.

Further, several cylinders marked “CNG Only” are reportedly stacked at the site. The storage of such hazardous cylinders in the immediate vicinity of a school poses a serious safety risk, particularly for differently-abled students who may not be able to respond ly in case of any emergency.

Considering the potential danger to the students, staff and nearby residents, I urge the Government to verify whether the said activity has the required permissions and safety clearances from the concerned authorities.

I therefore request the Government to look into the matter urgently and inform this House what steps it intends to take in this regard.