The Goa Legislative Assembly today unanimously passed a resolution demanding special status to the state to protect its shrinking availability of land resources and preserve the cultural identity.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told the House that of the total 3,702 sq kms of land, the state is left with only 362 sq kms of land for the future development, which is a cause of concern.
Cutting across the party lines, the legislators passed the resolution, which would be submitted to the Centre next month by an all-party delegation from Goa, the smallest Indian state.
The House demanded special status to Goa under section 371 or any other provisions of the Indian Constitution.
Parrikar clarified that the state was not demanding special status for a financial package, as it would be absurd to ask for the same considering the high per capita income of the state.
"Goa is only demanding special status to preserve its land mass and cultural identity," he said, adding that it should be granted on lines of Mizoram and Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister said that the land sharks have created the land banks in Goa, straining the resources further.
Parrikar clarified that this is "not a political resolution or election gimmick" considering the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.
