Mundkar cases: Chorus grows for expedited resolution, law reforms

Porvorim: The Goa legislative assembly once again debated the pending cases under the Goa Mundkar Act and the need to expedite the backlog. Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar demanded that a new law should be introduced to regularise the homes of the mundkars, while some legislators called for the simplification of the process to declare a mundkar.
Chief minister Pramod Sawant said that there are 2,408 pending cases. He mentioned that Tiswadi and Salcete have been given additional collectors to clear the pending cases.
“There is no need for new legislation. People need to come forward and apply,” said Sawant.
Arolkar stated that real estate developers are eyeing mundkarial land, with builders and landlords often colluding to evict the mundkar through monetary inducements or intimidation.
Many legislators noted that the mundkarial cases have been pending for years with no justice or decision being taken.
Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye said that the mundkar cases pending before the various mamlatdars need to be decided within a three-year period.
He also urged the govt to consider clubbing the mundkar declaration proceedings and purchase proceedings into one phase.
Emphasising the need to protect rights of the mundkar, St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar said that a special mamlatdar has to be appointed to hear the cases.