Residents of Tivim protest against the proposed private university at Tivim.
Photo Credits: File photo/The Goan
MAPUSA
In a significant development, the State government has directed the Collector to investigate and submit a report on the demand from certain gauncars of Tivim for the cancellation of the approval granted for the allocation of approximately 2 lakh square meters of comunidade land to MAEER without an auction.
The directive follows a complaint from some gauncars, who wrote to the Chief Secretary and Secretary (Revenue) on December 16 last year, alleging that the managing committee of the Tivim comunidade had fraudulently allocated the land to the private university in violation of Article 334-A of the Code of Comunidades, 1961.
“I request you to inquire and submit a detailed report within a period of 10 days,” stated a letter signed by Vrushika Kauthakar, Under Secretary (Revenue).
A gauncar, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the government's move could be an attempt to safeguard itself from a potential legal battle.
“While the government is proceeding with notifying the private university, it is also questioning the actions of the Tivim comunidade. Why did it take them so long to issue this notice? Is it because we are on the verge of moving the High Court?” the gauncar asked.
The proposed World Peace University has faced strong opposition from locals, including gauncars of the comunidade, who argue that granting such a vast tract of land to a private entity at low rates undermines community interests. Concerns have also been raised about the project's necessity and its potential impact on the village.
Additionally, some villagers have filed a complaint with the Colvale Police against the outgoing managing committee members of the comunidade, alleging that they passed a resolution supporting the private university without following due process.
The controversy continues to stir debate in the region, with affected parties awaiting the outcome of the government’s inquiry.
