Shri Shripad Y. Naik, MoS for Power and New & Renewable Energy, has responded to a recent investigative report by The Indian Express dated September 9, 2024, which questioned changes in Goa’s land use laws and listed his name among the beneficiaries.
Naik expressed his gratitude to the newspaper for conducting the investigation, emphasizing the government’s commitment to press freedom. He clarified that the land in question, located in Panelim village, Tiswadi taluka, had been in his family for over 20 years, having been gifted to his late wife. Naik had disclosed ownership of this property in his election affidavits and annual reports to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Following his wife’s passing in 2021, Naik said he intended to dedicate the land for community purposes in her name. Acting on advice from colleagues, he applied to change the zone classification of the land from Orchard to Settlement under a new state law. The approval process, which took eight months, followed all legal requirements, Naik asserted.
He emphasized that he had not taken undue advantage of his position and that his name, along with his son’s, had been included in the article without context. Naik suggested that selective naming in the report might be part of a political conspiracy against him.
In response to public concerns, Naik has decided to withdraw his application and surrender the approval if any illegalities or discrepancies are found. He invited the state government to review the provision under the TCP Act and determine if it serves the public interest.
