Goa, 5 January 2026:
In a significant move aimed at safeguarding Goa’s identity, land and heritage, South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes has introduced a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament seeking Special Status for the State. The Bill was tabled during the recently concluded Winter Session of Parliament and seeks constitutional protection for Goa’s fragile ecology, cultural heritage and the rights of its people.
Addressing the media in the presence of GPCC General Secretary Adv. Srinivas Khalap and District Presidents Shri Virendra Shirodkar and Shri Savio D’Silva, Captain Fernandes said the Bill reflects the collective concern of Goans witnessing unchecked development, environmental degradation and erosion of the State’s unique identity. He stressed that while development is important, it cannot come at the cost of Goa’s Asmitai, traditions and way of life. The Special Status Bill, he said, is a commitment to ensure that future generations inherit a Goa where growth coexists with nature, culture and community values.
Adv. Srinivas Khalap stated that the Goa Congress remains firm in its stand of “Goa and Goans first,” asserting that all policies must prioritise the State’s land, people, environment and cultural heritage. He described the Bill as a constitutional effort to ensure Goa’s future is shaped by Goans and not by unregulated commercial interests.
Highlighting Goa’s ecological vulnerability and cultural uniqueness, the Bill proposes several safeguards, including the establishment of a Goa Sustainable Development Council headed by the Chief Minister, stricter regulation of development in eco-sensitive zones, protection of rivers, forests, khazan lands and agricultural areas, and special safeguards for traditional communities such as fishermen, farmers, tribals and artisans. It also seeks to address demographic concerns, promote Konkani in both Devanagari and Roman scripts while recognising Marathi’s cultural significance, and define “Goan of Goan Origin” to protect land and identity rights. Special powers for environmental protection through constitutional authorities are also proposed under the framework.
