The aim of the government should be to protect Goan land in the hands of the Goans. Whether such a move will withstand judicial scrutiny is to be seen. There have been complaints that large areas of land, especially those along the seacoast, have sold by local agents to foreigners at an exorbitant price. Even the hills and mountains have not been spared. In a state where the population increases day in and day out it is unbelievable that the people are even inclined to sell their land, agricultural or otherwise, for temporary financial gains. It is all the more painful to see that government officials and the administration of the communidad are hand in glove in such shady deals.

While the question of selling land to foreigners will require special provisions in the Act, the provision will have be made with prior approval of the government of India only. The question of selling land to Indian citizens needs to be carefully examined. The Supreme Court has repeatedly maintained that the citizens of the country cannot be discriminated against on the basis of region, religion, caste or creed. They are free citizens of a free country and are free to work and live in any part of the country. The provision was made for specific purposes, but today, it is grossly misused. A stage will come when the uniqueness of our region will have been diluted and this land, with its diverse cultural tradition and flora and fauna, will be reduced to a uniform jungle of concrete. It will be a barren land.

A state like Goa has its own limitations, geographically and environmentally, apart from financial constraints, limitations on civic amenities and other facilities, which are made available to immigrants coming in from all directions. While admitting that they are Indian and they should be allowed to live and work in Goa, the fact remains that the area is simply incapable of absorbing more immigrants. Non-Goans acquire land in Goa only to develop it and sell it to others-not necessarily Goans. How this will benefit this state is yet to be seen but it will damage the cultural characteristics, social tradition and ecological balance of the state. The government can surely prepare a law to restrict and control the flow of immigrants without disturbing those who have already settled here. This can ensure a better future for Goa without violating constitutional provisions.

The Constitution has been considerate to certain states, which enjoy the especial status. We could have obtained such status after liberation had we not spent our time, energy and intelligence over the language controversy, which has helped neither the language nor the literature. It only diverted the people’s attention from the problems that were cropping up in this newly liberated area. The government will have to examine its industrial and educational policy before taking further steps in this regard. Industry and education should remain complementary and supplementary to each other and such policies should be followed cautiously taking into consideration the needs of the changing world.

As far as the foreigners are concerned, there is no justification as to why there should be any land transaction with them. They are welcome to visit our country as tourists and go back after a short stay. Tourists are our honourable guests and they may help to bring the people of the two countries together and promote friendship and better understanding. However honourable the guests may be they cannot become the hosts.

The communidad system has been deprived of its land developed and preserved for centuries by our ancestors. If the government decides to restore the land, even by paying the cost of lands that have been leased to individuals and institutions, we can still retain the grandeur and glory of Goa. We cannot afford to forget that land like a mother cannot be purchased. It is gods to grant. Land is a symbol of their identity. It needs to be protected in all its diversity.