Trust deposits one-time refundable sum of Rs 5 cr into comunidade’s bank account; To pay annual rent of Rs 25 lakh with an increase by 5% every three years; trust agrees to special terms favouring members
DONE DEAL? The hillside of Comunidade land in Cansa, Tivim which has been leased to a Maharashtra-based Trust to set up the proposed private university project.
Photo Credits: Agnelo Pereira
MAPUSA
The Comunidade of Tivim has officially signed a 99-year lease with Maharashtra Academy of Engineering & Educational Research (MAEER), Pune, a Public Charitable Trust, to establish an educational institution in the village.
The deal, executed on July 1, 2024, paves the way for the establishment of a private university on a 2 lakh square metre plot in Tivim.
The lease has provisions for automatic renewal, essentially allowing MAEER perpetual use of the land.
The agreement allows MAEER to construct and manage an educational campus under the banner of MIT World Peace University, Pune.
The lease was signed by key representatives of the Tivim comunidade, including its President Miguel Siqueira, Attorney James D’Souza and Escrivão Pranav Mohan Parsekar. Representing MAEER was Rahul Karad, Managing Trustee and Executive President of the trust.
According to the lease terms, MAEER will use the land to construct educational buildings, including hostels, libraries, labs, sports facilities and other necessary infrastructure for a university campus.
MAEER has already deposited a one-time refundable sum of Rs 5 crore into the Tivim comunidade’s bank account and will pay an annual rent of Rs 25 lakh, which will increase by 5% every three years.
The educational activities on the leased land will be conducted by MIT World Peace University, Pune.
The proposed university is expected to offer a wide range of courses, including Engineering, Marine Engineering, Medical Sciences, Management Studies, Arts, Journalism, and Public Policy.
However, the establishment of the university has raised concerns among local residents and gaunkars, who have banded together to oppose the project.
Their primary objections stem from the significant amount of land allocated for the campus and environmental concerns, as the proposed area they claim is a ‘No Development Slope’ with a gradient exceeding 25 degrees.
The project has already received in-principle approval from the State government’s Investment Promotion Board (IPB).
However, the final decision on the declaration of the land as an investment promotion area remains pending, with public objections currently being reviewed.
Special concessions to Tivim Comunidade
Although the agreement does not include concessions or benefits for the general public regarding admissions or employment, the Comunidade has negotiated several key benefits for its members.
In exchange for the lease, MAEER has agreed to several special terms favouring exclusively for the Comunidade members.
MAEER will construct an office and gymnasium on a separate 500 sq metre plot in the settlement zone for exclusive use of the components of the Tivim Comunidade.
Additionally, MAEER will offer a 50 per cent tuition fee concession to students from the Comunidade families on a merit basis for admissions to their institutions.
The agreement also includes scholarships for girl students: those scoring above 95 per cent in Class 12 will receive Rs 20,000 annually, and those with over 90 per cent will receive Rs 10,000 annually for pursuing further education until they complete a Master’s degree.
Job opportunities for locals
On the employment front, MAEER has agreed to give preference to Comunidade members and Tivim villagers for positions at its Goa campus, subject to vacancies and suitability.
Additionally, 10 per cent of the total workforce for Class III and Class IV positions will be reserved for the Tivim Comunidade members.
Rising opposition from locals
Despite these concessions, local opposition remains strong.
Many villagers, including prominent gaunkars, have questioned the necessity of allocating such a large tract of land for a private university.
The environmental impact of constructing on a steep slope has been a major point of contention, with opponents raising concerns about potential damage to the area’s ecosystem.
