Goa govt following up special status matter with Centre: CM

Goa, has demanded special status to make provisions for the protection of state's limited land mass and to resolve problems created by migration

The Goa government today told the state Legislative Assembly that it has been following up with the Centre the demand for special status to the state in order to resolve problems created by migration.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told the House that the state has been pursuing its demand for the grant of special category status to Goa.

The state had sought the special status through a letter written to the Union government on February 24, 2011.

Goa, the smallest state in India, has demanded special status under article 371 (1) of the Constitution to make provisions for the protection of state's limited land mass and to resolve problems created by migration.

The state has also pressed for grant of separate cadre of All India Services for Goa, Parrikar added.

With 15.5 lakh population, Goa is considered a second home by many from neighbouring states who have purchased properties here.

Responding to a question earlier during the Assembly session, Parrikar had claimed that 23 % of the houses, amounting to 1.2 lakhs, are locked and left unused in the state, which are second home for the buyers.