Bill to penalise litterbugs passed

Porvorim: The House passed the crucial Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) (Amendment) Bill, which has provision to penalise people caught littering not just public spaces, but private ones too.

The bill facilitates a fine of Rs 300 for the first offence, with subsequent offences attracting fines of up to Rs 3 lakh. Opposition leader Yuri Alemao asked why imprisonment as a deterrent was not included in the amendment bill. It was passed after a brief discussion on provisions, and with amendments suggested by Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral.

The House also passed the Goa Tax on Infrastructure (Amendment) Bill, introduced by TCP minister Vishwajit Rane, which aims to make payment of infrastructure tax by builders and developers easier. Opposition MLAs questioned govt’s intent in allowing payments in two installments. To the point raised by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai on whether similar benefits will be extended to Goans for constructing their houses, the CM said such a law is in the pipeline.

Passing of the Goa Public Universities Bill, with a provision to facilitate setting up of multi-disciplinary universities was deferred till Friday following Opposition members’ demands that the bill be sent to the select committee.