Clear illegal structure regularisation backlogs first: Cong

Panaji: Before introducing new amendments to regularise illegal structures, Congress has urged govt to first clear pending applications dating back to 2000. The party stated that migrants would benefit from the proposed changes.“Of 208 applications considered by govt, several files were unprocessed, particularly from Sirsaim. Around 20 files were approved at a rate of Rs 400 per sqm, which was to be paid to the comunidade with a Rs 200 fine to the administrator. Many paid the amount and did follow-up, but these files remain stuck. The land ownership was not given to the people,” said Tivim Congress block president Hemant Kambli.Govt introduced Article 372A of the Code of Comunidades to regularise unauthorised homes on comunidade land.“The chief minister and revenue minister should inquire why the cases are pending. Without clearing old applications, what is the point of bringing in new amendments, which will benefit only migrants,” said Kambli.