Union Minister Shripad Naik Offers to Withdraw Land Use Application Amid Allegations of Irregularities
Union Minister Shripad Naik is ready to withdraw his application for change of land use in Goa if any illegalities are found. The move comes after an investigation by The Indian Express revealed that several real estate companies and politicians, includin
Shripad NaikLand Use ChangeGoaTcp ActReal Estate CompaniesReal EstateSep 14, 2024
The investigation revealed that the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department in Goa had approved changes in land use for at least 20 lakh sq m of land over the past 18 months, converting green zones into settlements and allowing construction activity for both residential and commercial purposes.
The changes were allowed after a March 2023 amendment to the Goa TCP Act 1974, which permits conversion of plots without public consultation if the owner approaches the department with a request to correct inadvertent errors or rectify inconsistent/incoherent zoning in Goa's Regional Plan 2021.
Naik's application for rezoning of 14,225 sq m of orchard and natural cover to settlement in Panelim village in Tiswadi taluka was received on July 25, 2023, and was corrected and notified in the Official Gazette on February 15, 2024.
In a press statement, Naik said that he is ready to withdraw his application and surrender the approval granted to him for his property if any illegalities are found and brought to his notice. He also stated that he is willing to withdraw his application even if the provision under Section 17(2) of the TCP Act is found to be illegal or if any discrepancy is found in the procedure.
Naik recalled that the property was acquired and owned by his family for over 20 years and was gifted to his deceased wife by her family. He stated that he had declared ownership of the property in every election affidavit and had submitted it to the Prime Minister's Office every year in the form of an annual report.
The Union Minister also stated that his application was forwarded to the TCP department as per the normal procedure prescribed in the rules and that he had followed all the laws laid down by the state government and paid all the fees as levied upon him to get the approvals.
When contacted by The Indian Express, Naik said that he is ready to withdraw his application if any illegality is found and brought to his notice.
In his statement, Naik also referred to the investigation by The Indian Express as evidence that the government believes in press freedom and will never intervene, leave alone suppress, the media and their functioning.
The Indian Express is an Indian newspaper that has been at the forefront of investigative journalism in the country. The newspaper has a reputation for fearless and unbiased reporting, and has exposed several scams and irregularities in the past.
The Town and Country Planning (TCP) department in Goa is responsible for regulating land use in the state. The department has been at the center of controversy in recent times, with several allegations of irregularities and favoritism in the granting of approvals for land use changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the controversy surrounding the land use change in Goa?
The controversy surrounds the amendment to the Goa TCP Act 1974, which permits conversion of plots without public consultation if the owner approaches the department with a request to correct inadvertent errors or rectify inconsistent/incoherent zoning in Goa's Regional Plan 2021.
Who are the beneficiaries of the contentious land use change?
Several real estate companies and politicians, including Union Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, have benefited from the contentious land use change.
What is the provision under Section 17(2) of the TCP Act?
The provision under Section 17(2) of the TCP Act permits conversion of plots without public consultation if the owner approaches the department with a request to correct inadvertent errors or rectify inconsistent/incoherent zoning in Goa's Regional Plan 2021.
Has Shripad Naik offered to withdraw his application for land use change?
Yes, Shripad Naik has offered to withdraw his application for land use change if any illegalities are found and brought to his notice.
What is the reaction of the state government to the allegations of irregularities in the land use change?
The state government has not yet reacted to the allegations of irregularities in the land use change.
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