Special status for Goa Reuben Sequeira, by email Recently, one of our eminent politicians suggested that the territory of Goa be expanded to include the predominantly Konkani-speaking talukas of Karwar and Joida in adjoining Karnataka. Our burgeoning population is cited as the reason why this merger would be a good idea. These areas have the potential to attract tourists and, more importantly, investment to set up SEZs. I have no problem with preserving the Konkani traditions of our state, but we must take cognisance of the root cause of this proposal. Survey statistics suggest there has been a notable drop in people who cite Konkani as their mother tongue. So a merger with these talukas will increase the Konkani-speaking people and preserve the Goan tradition. Isnt that logical? It is such warped thinking by our policy making politicians that has landed us in the mess we are in today. Let us take a moment to examine the real issues here. Goa is perceived as a paradise. There is a rush to buy land here. When I travel in India and let slip that Im a Goan, there are always excited queries about rave parties and the availability of land. The Mundkar Act, a populist legislation, is causing Goans to sell off their lands as persistent claims by greedy tenants cause nothing but frustration. With rapidly escalating land prices, unscrupulous builders step in and legally purchase land at exorbitant rates making efforts to dislodge them difficult. Their residential complexes are far too costly for the niz Goenkar. The migrant influx has steeped into our society. Slums supported by corrupt politicians, who use them as vote banks, are spreading. The limited infrastructure is crumbling and filth and garbage escalating. The prevailing scenario indicates communal clashes in the near future. It is reminiscent of erstwhile Bombay, where the indigenous Koli populace was swamped by migrants; the invading numbers reduced them to a stark minority. We have to demand special status as our state joined the union of India only in 1961, more than 10 years after India adopted its Constitution. We must seek stringent immigration laws, as well as check the indiscriminate drugs and construction menaces. I dont want to be perceived as a doomsday prophet, but if action is not forthcoming, get ready to say goodbye Goa, welcome Mumbai.
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