Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's recent green light for a 60-year sub-lease for hotel plots at the Manohar International Airport in Mopa, situated in Pernem taluk, has sparked a contentious debate within political circles.
Several leaders have raised objections, asserting that the decision diverges from the customary 40-year lease duration typically observed for government land and contradicts the initial 40-year Concession Agreement inked with GMR Goa International Airports Limited (GGIAL) for the airport's development.
Inked in 2016, the Concession Agreement with GGIAL stipulated a 40-year term, aligning with the standard protocol for government land leases. However, GGIAL later sought a 60-year sub-lease for hotel plots within the airport's "city side" precinct, arguing that it would attract premier hotel chains and bolster financial viability.
Despite recognizing potential advantages, the Advocate General expressed reservations regarding the extended lease period and advised seeking the cabinet's approval due to the government's continued land ownership. Notably, the Advocate General's stance fell short of explicitly endorsing the 60-year tenure, hinting at the necessity for further legal scrutiny.
In an unusual move, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in his capacity as the chairman of the Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board (IPFB), directly presented the proposal to the Cabinet for endorsement, bypassing the customary legal vetting process. This expedited action has raised concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest, given the Chief Minister's dual role as both the proponent and approver of the decision.
Amit Palekar, the Goa AAP Chief, queried the Chief Minister's decision to sidestep the Advocate General's counsel and extend the lease to 60 years. He highlighted potential conflicts of interest stemming from the Chief Minister's ties to the real estate sector.
Furthermore, Palekar emphasized that the deal benefits GMR at the expense of Goan farmers who relinquished their land for the airport project. He underscored the absence of viability or feasibility reports and criticized the reliance on mere statements from interested parties advocating for an extended lease term.
The Chief Minister's deviation from established legal norms in approving a 60-year lease for hotel plots near the Mopa airport has raised concerns about procedural adherence and echoes similar apprehensions from past cases. Palekar stressed the importance of conducting a thorough review considering the Advocate General's reservations and Supreme Court precedents to uphold transparency and fairness.
He pointed out Supreme Court judgments prohibiting such actions and cautioned against breaching boundaries, emphasizing the potential for fostering malfeasance and corruption. Palekar pledged to scrutinize the documents personally to ascertain the situation and identify which real estate interests stand to gain from the decision.
