Unveiling the Truth: MoS – Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Y. Naik’s Side of the Story
In response to the Newspaper article – Look Who Benefits from a Tweak in State Land Use Law that threatens ‘Green Zones’ of Goa
The news article published in the National daily – The Indian Express -on 09th Sep 2024 reported about the law introduced by the State Government that threatens the ‘green zones’ of Goa and the names of beneficiaries of this law listed in which my name was also mentioned. This news report was brought to my notice by my family and well-wishers, thus accordingly I wish to express my side of the story.
First and foremost, I congratulate the Indian Express Newspaper for getting this detailed investigation Report out and publishing it in unbiased manner, without any fear of anyone or any sort. This once again establishes that our
Government believes in Press Freedom and will never intervene, leave alone suppress, the media and their functioning. We believe in Vibrant Democracy.
However, I feel inclusion of my name in the news report is not in the proper context. Hence I have decided to put forth my side before public, so that the truth in its right context will be in front of people who have also ways shown trust in me and my family. Coming to the matter at hand, the land survey no. 10/5 and 10/6 of Panelim village of Tiswadi taluka jointly measuring 14225 m2. This property was acquired and owned by my family for past over 20 years. The property was gifted to my beloved deceased wife by her family. I have declared ownership over the said property in every election affidavit of mine. The same is also submitted to Prime Minister’s Office every year in the form of annual report. It is needless to say that these details are
available for common public.
After the sad demise of my beloved wife in Jan 2021, me and my family wished to devote the property for public purpose in her name for community purposes.
So when this wish was expressed before my party colleagues, I was informed about a new law introduced by the State Government and suggested me to apply under it, for getting the zone changed from Orchard to Settlement, I decided of applying. My application was submitted in July 2023 and approval was granted in Feb 2024 for area admeasuring 12,560 m2. It is important to note that my application was forwarded to the TCP Department, Government of Goa as per the normal procedure prescribed in the rules. Further through routine process my application got approved. This entire procedure took 8 months which is clear indicative of transparent process followed, and I have not made any of undue advantage of my position.
The laws introduced by the State Government are entirely their prerogative and I am in no manner involved into functioning or decision making of the State Government. The laws introduced, if any, are by default presumed to
be in larger public interest.
I have followed all the laws laid down by the State Government and paid all the fees as levied upon me to get the approvals. I have done nothing in violation of the law or with malafide intentions. I have never been embroiled in any scam or controversy in my entire public life and don’t intend to get involved in anyone such now, not even by mistake. People of Goa have always supported me for this clear and honest character that I have built over the years.
One more important thing which was brought to my notice by my supporters that there are many other applicants who got their applications approved. However only selected names are mentioned in the news report.
This appears to be a conspiracy to malign my image to secure political agenda of some unknown power operating in the state.
Inclusion of my son Sidhesh Naik, ZP member’s name in the news report has also appeared without having discussed with him.
Thus, upon the advice of my family, friends, well-wishers and respecting the sentiments of my Goan brothers and sisters and in the larger public interest, I have decided to withdraw my application and surrender the approval granted to me for my property for change of zone to Settlement, if any kind of illegalities are found and brought to my notice. I am ready to withdraw my application even if provision under 17(2) of TCP Act which was
passed by the State Government is found illegal or if any discrepancy is found in the procedure. It is up to the state Government to verify whether the provision of 17(2) of TCP Act is in the state’s interest or not.
Shripad Y Naik
