Margao: Revival of Khajan land, fulfilling the long pending demand of Kabrasthan for muslim community in Margao were amongst the highlights of State government’s promises during Republic Day Celebration in Margao.
Goa Forward Party President and TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai touched the issues crucial to the heart of South Goa people while talking to reporters on the sidelines of the Republic Day function.
Speaking about revival of Khajan lands, the minister said that the Government is concerned about concerned about it.
He said Khajan is a model whose revival has to be done in cooperation with the farmers who would be interested in it.
“Government will take up 2,000 hactars of Khajan land for revival in the first year under this Integrated Khajan Management Program. We have contemplated to give a grant of 60 rupees per square metres. This would be a three year one grant to the registered societies of farmers who are keen to revive the khajans,” he said.
“We are concerned about the Khajans, it is the symbol of Goenkarponn. It is unique to Goa. it is part of Goa’s identity,” he added.
The minister pointed out that many of the tenant associations had breached the inner bandh and spoilt the fields to encourage pisciculture.
“After liberation, khajans were handed over to tanent associations. The degradation is happening. The salt panes are disappearing. In ODP, Salt panes are converted into settlement zones. I have removed that,” he said.
Sardesai said Goa has total 18,000 hactar of khajan land. During Portuguese time, communidade used to maintain it.
“I have asked CM to make budgetary provision which he has agreed. This is brain child of our new director Madhav Kelkar who has studied the Khajan who has gone through the report submitted by Nandkumar Kamat and Varde,” he said.
NEW KABRATHAN BEFORE NEXT REPUBLIC DAY IN MARGAO
Sardesai assured that the new Kabrasthan would be in place before next Republic Day.
“Muslim community has been most patient and tolerant. It is duty of this government what this community deserves. This is longest pending demand of the community,” he said.
“Our government is committed to give them kabrasthan. Budgetary provision of Rs 17 crore is made. Land is in the location where there are masjids, we have resolution from local civic bodies. Only negotiation with land owner will be done once we get money,” he said.
He said that the proposal for Kabrasthan from Sonsodo has been shifted after stiff opposition to it.
“We will take muslim community into confidence for finalizing the new location. The location is not revealed as many people want to create controversies. I believe that muslims deserve this and this is long overdue,” he said.
“If Code of Conduct permits we will have this land in our possession before Lok Sabha election. We will give the work to GSIDC, before next republic day you will have new Kabrasthan,” he said.
