Right time to press for 'Special Status': Shantaram
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 16 April 2013 16:28 IST
Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik has congratulated Goa Assembly for passing unanimous resolution demanding ‘special status’ for Goa.
He has already moved a private member’s bill in the Rajya Sabha, recommending amendment to Article 371 of the Constitution of India.
“There is nothing called Special Status, but it is a special provision”, clarified Shantaram.
According to him, the Goa Assembly has decided to go to Delhi at a right time since Bihar is also pursuing the demand vigorously.
Considering the political situation (election time), Shantaram feels Goa could get the demand solved if the all-party delegation immediately meets prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh.
Shantaram pointed out that Goa already figures in Article 371 – I, which states that “Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa shall consist of not less than thirty members.”
This was amended as the minimum strength of the Assembly was 60 and it was reduced with this provision to 40 in case of Goa, he said.
The lawyer-turned-Rajya Sabha MP has now moved the bill recommending a proviso below the same Article 371 – i, titled “Special Provision with respect to the state of Goa”.
It suggests: In the Article 371-I after the words, “not less than thirty members” insert following words-
Provided further that notwithstanding anything contained in any other part of this constitution or in any law time being in force or in any judgement or order, the Legislative Assembly of Goa shall be competent to enact any legislation –
(i) to regulate the ownership and transfer of land in public interest and in the interest and on grounds of duration of residential requirement in the State, social and economic needs of the State, environment and public interest , as may be specified by the State by law.”
(ii) to regulate influx of migrants considering available resources specially, land, water, power etc and considering the sanitation and environmental aspects.
Shantaram Naik has written an elaborate blog on goanews.com in this regard.
