The upcoming five-day winter session of the Goa Legislative Assembly is poised for intense confrontations, with the opposition alliance finalizing a strategy to corner the government on a host of pressing issues. From the tragic Arpora nightclub fire to alleged failures in law and order and controversial land conversions, the session promises heated debates.
Opposition's Agenda for a Stormy Session
Leader of the Opposition, Yuri Alemao, declared that the opposition parties have united to maximize their impact during the limited session time. They have jointly submitted numerous questions to secure more speaking time. Alemao outlined a sharp critique, stating the opposition will highlight "deteriorating law and order, massive land conversions, financial crisis, tourism failure, the bad condition of the health sector, and corruption."
He accused the government of creating a "jungle raj" and emphasized that the tragic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, which claimed 25 lives, will be a primary issue. Alemao also criticized the government's plan to hold a special discussion on 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' during the time allotted for debating the Governor's address, calling it a diversionary tactic.
Government's Legislative Business and Key Reforms
On its part, the state government has a packed agenda. The session will commence with the Governor's address on the first day. Subsequently, the government plans to conduct business including:
- Answering 178 starred questions and 553 unstarred questions from various departments.
- Taking up approximately 12 bills, including the crucial appropriation bill.
- Discussing five private members’ resolutions.
- Passing supplementary demands and other government bills.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that the discussion on 'Vande Mataram' is scheduled for January 13. In a significant move, the government is likely to introduce a measure to protect mundkars (tenant rights). The proposed reform would prevent landlords from selling land until the rights of residing mundkars are legally settled.
Focus on Mundkar Rights and Pending Cases
This initiative aims to address a long-standing grievance. Sawant noted there have been numerous complaints about mundkars' rights being ignored during property sales, leading to conflicts with new owners. Over 2,000 mundkarial cases are currently pending in various courts across Goa. The proposed law is expected to offer major relief to mundkars living in landlords' properties who await official recognition of their status.
As both the treasury and opposition benches brace for a contentious five days, the winter session is set to be a critical platform for debating Goa's most urgent social, administrative, and legal challenges.
