MAPUSA
Despite opposition from the locals over the setting up of a private university on a sprawling 2 lakh square metres plot of land in Tivim, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant backed the project stating that once the university comes it would bring significant benefits to the region, including job creation and infrastructure development.
The university, to be set up by MIT University on a 2 lakh sq mtr plot, has drawn criticism from some locals who allege the land was handed over at a throwaway price by the local comunidade in collusion with the government. Protesters have vowed to challenge the move legally, claiming it is part of a larger land grab plan.
Dismissing these concerns, Sawant accused a few individuals of opposing the project for political gain.
“I have already informed MIT University that 100 per cent of non-teaching posts should be reserved for locals from Tivim and surrounding areas,” he said, assuring that the community would directly benefit from the development.
He added that the project would not only create jobs but also open up opportunities for small businesses such as restaurants and lodging facilities.
"The people of Tivim are lucky – they have a double engine government with their MLA as a minister and a Rajya Sabha MP representing them. You can get work done both at the State and Central level," Sawant said.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony for a lake beautification project near the historic Mahaganpati Temple at Madel, Tivim.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, Fisheries Minister and Tivim MLA Nilkanth Halarnkar, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Tanavade and other dignitaries were also present at the event.
The lake beautification project, undertaken by the Tourism Department and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation Limited (GTDC), comes at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore.
Sawant emphasised that the land for the university was legally transferred by the local comunidade after completing necessary formalities, and reiterated that the institution would spur overall development in the region.
In a political note, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the BJP would return to power in the 2027 Assembly elections. He also cautioned against attempts to divide people on the basis of religion and caste.
