It is primarily because of the constant pouring of migrants into Goa that the NGOs, one old but revived and the other new, are pushing for Special Status. With all 40 members of the Assembly having approved the government's proposal, there is a at least a chance of making the centre hear Goa's plea. However, what mechanism will be place to block the migrants from crossing over into Goa and resettling there would have to be seen. With less land available for housing in the cities and with builders moving into villages, Goans are already witnessing socio-economic problems. How much the government will tweak Article 19 to accommodate Goa, if at all the government wishes to grant Goa's plea, to make it near-impossible for outsiders to settle in Goa is to be seen. The Goa government's decision on entry tax for vehicles has created an adverse reaction from neighbouring states. Now comes the news that Pune bus operators will not come to Goa. Can be say safely that there would be no blacklash against Goans in neighbouring states if natives of both Karnataka and Maharashtra are prevented from settling in Goa? The union government would have to take a hard, closer look and the Goa government would also be doing itself good if it takes into consideration the risks following getting Special Status that would impinge impose restriction of movement of outsiders into Goa. There's no validity in basing Goa's case on the erosion of Goan identity because it's expected that with intergration into the Indian union, new migration and economic change, Goan identity would be running the risk of change. Outsiders who have assimiliated into Goan society, though retaining a few of their distinct traditions and characteristics, should not pose any problems and cannot be said to be agents in the perceived devolution of Goanness. Goenkarponn is what we are and what should remain now and in the future.
Eugene