Gauncars allege lack of transparency on private university project decision
MAPUSA
The Tivim Comunidade's decision to enter a 99-year lease with Maharashtra Academy of Engineering & Educational Research's (MAEER) MIT Group to establish a multipurpose educational institute has drawn significant criticism, particularly concerning the process followed.
Many gauncars are questioning the legitimacy of the decision, given that only 65 of over 1,000 registered members attended the Extraordinary General Body Meeting (EGBM) held on February 25, 2024.
Despite the low turnout, the proposal was unanimously approved, raising concerns about the lack of broader community involvement in such a long-term and impactful decision.
The limited participation and the magnitude of the agreement have sparked intense debate within the community, with some viewing the decision as unrepresentative and lacking transparency.
Economic benefits highlighted
The comunidade managing committee emphasised that leasing out this "barren, fallow and wasteland" to MAEER would provide a steady stream of revenue to ensure that the gauncars receive sufficient Jonos (community dividends).
"This land yields no returns to the comunidade. Frequent squatters and encroachments only lead to conflicts and the erosion of our resources in fighting litigations," said Miguel Sequeira, President of the Tivim Comunidade, during the EGBM, the proceedings of which were sourced by The Goan through the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Sequeira further assured the members of MAEER’s credibility, citing their extensive experience in the field of education, with four universities and 68 institutions serving over 65,000 students across India.
He also clarified that both the comunidade and the government would serve as joint lessors of the land, ensuring oversight.
Concerns over transparency, land valuation
Despite the unanimous resolution at the EGBM, several gauncars have raised concerns about the process, pointing to possible discrepancies in how the decision was reached.
Some members feel that the land was undervalued.
“Considering the current land rates in Goa, the land has been leased for a pittance. This prime property could have fetched much higher returns. Instead, it feels like the managing committee gave in to external pressure,” said Godfrey D’Lima, a gauncar.
Another gauncar echoed similar concerns.
“The influential group in the comunidade manipulates the proceedings by making tall promises of revenue generation and development. But the voices of many members are not heard,” said Mathew Pereira, another gauncar of Tivim.
“I attend all the comunidade meetings. I have not come across any meeting when this proposal of leasing 2 lakh sq mt of land was unanimously resolved. This is illegal,” Pereira added.
The fact that only 65 gauncars out of over 1,000 attended the EGBM has also sparked criticism.
Some members argue that the low turnout reflects a lack of engagement or even awareness about the significance of the resolution.
“When such a small number of members attend a meeting of this importance, it raises questions about whether the community’s interests are truly being represented,” said Lourence Ferrao, a gauncar.
“We believe that not all gauncars were consulted or taken into confidence. We oppose such a large-scale project,” Ferrao added.
Promises of long-term development
Despite these concerns, the managing committee has maintained that the lease agreement is in the best interests of the community.
The land in question, according to the committee, is unsuitable for agriculture or other productive activities.
Leasing it to a prestigious educational institution would not only generate revenue but also enhance the village’s profile by drawing students and educational resources to Tivim.
“If we don’t act now, we risk losing the land to squatters and face endless litigation. This deal secures our community’s future,” Sequeira emphasised.
The debate around the lease highlights the need for greater transparency and engagement within the comunidade’s decision-making process.
