MAPUSA
Tensions flared at the extraordinary general body meeting of the Tivim Comunidade on Sunday as Gaunkars voiced strong opposition to a contentious 99-year land lease signed with the Maharashtra Academy of Engineering and Educational Research (MAEER), Pune.
The lease, which allocates 2 lakh sq. mtrs of comunidade land for the establishment of a private university, has sparked accusations of a lack of transparency and procedural lapses by the managing committee.
The meeting, held at the Livrament Hall in Tivim, saw sharp exchanges as members demanded clarity on the deal.
The treasurer of the Comunidade, Joselyn Pereira, attempted to address the concerns but struggled to provide convincing explanations, leaving many attendees frustrated and sceptical.
Questions of transparency
Gaunkars accused the managing committee of sidelining the majority of members and pushing the deal through with the support of those aligned with the committee.
“When we questioned the managing committee about the university deal, they said discussions had been ongoing since 2018. Even if that were true, most of us were kept in the dark,” Assumption D’Souza, a Gaunkar, said.
“The Comunidade land belongs to us, and any decision about it must be made with our approval. This lack of transparency is unacceptable.”
Anthony Pereira, another Gaunkars, revealed that while he was present at the February 25, 2024 meeting when the resolution was passed, he was unaware of the specific details regarding the university.
“My name was added as a signatory of the resolution without my consent,” he said, expressing his dissatisfaction.
Concerns over land use
Several Gaunkars also raised fears about the potential misuse of Comunidade land.
“Our ancestors preserved this land for future generations. Signing deals without proper planning and consultation jeopardises our heritage,” said Godfrey D’Lima.
D’Lima also criticised the treasurer for allegedly making “supernatural” claims about the land and for directing unfounded allegations at him during the meeting.
Treasurer’s defence
Treasurer Joselyn Pereira defended the agreement, claiming that all required procedures had been followed and that the university project aligned with the Comunidade’s values.
However, his explanations failed to satisfy the Gaunkars.
“We followed all protocols, and this deal will benefit the community,” Pereira insisted.
Yet, when pressed to produce documentation or minutes from meetings to substantiate his claims, he failed to do so.
“How can we trust you when no official records have been shared?” asked a sceptical Gaunkars.
Sources revealed that around 120 Gaunkars attended the meeting, including 50 members from Kanapur, reportedly brought in to bolster support for the managing committee.
Rejected proposals
Earlier, most agenda items were rejected by the Gaunkars due to insufficient information or questionable terms.
Proposals for kitchen gardens were dismissed for lack of proper documentation, while a request for a 10-meter-wide road was reduced to three meters in line with village norms.
Only two proposals for handcarts were approved, with strict conditions against encroachment.
Looking ahead
With growing discontent among Gaunkars, the managing committee now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and ensuring transparency in its dealings.
For now, the controversy continues to highlight the importance of preserving Goa’s Comunidade system – a unique socio-legal institution that embodies the spirit of collective decision-making to preserve its legacy.
