By Our Special correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jun 25: Goa’s Rajya Sabha member Shantaram Naik today said the liberal provisions of Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) for purchase of land by foreigners can virtually liquidate a small state like Goa.
“FEMA provisions are too liberal as far investment by foreign nationals in purchase of land in India is concerned, and that, although these provisions do not affect bigger States having large chunk of land, it can virtually ‘liquidate’ a small state like Goa,” Naik said today.
He said that for these reasons, the circulars issued under FEMA should contain more strict provisions as regards the small States.
The Rajya Sabha member was reacting to the agency report that some British citizens who have purchased land in Goa have sent a memorandum to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown through his website, complaining that their purchase deeds are not being registered by Sub-Registrars in Goa.
Around 400-odd properties deals involving foreigners are being scanned by Directorate of Enforcement for FEMA violation in the state.
He said that the Britishers should appreciate that the entire land of the state of Goa is just 3702 sq. kms. and therefore there is a natural tendency in Goa to protect their land.
The Congress MP said that in Britain, the government enacts laws to keep Indians and other Asians out of certain jobs, which, they do in order to protect their interest, and that, British government authorities have not lagged behind even in interfering with religious practices of certain Indian communities. India does not indulge in such things.
”If Goa government tries to examine any suspected violations of FEMA on the part of certain foreign nationals, or tries to have a stricter law, no foreign national should have objection to the same,” he added.
Naik said that that Goans are not against any particular foreign nationality and that thousands of Goans render valuable service in a number of countries contributing immensely to the economy of those countries.
”But FEMA and various circulars issued by Reserve Bank of India lay down certain conditions for executing Purchase Deeds by foreign nationals, which have to be complied with,” he added.
Naik alleged that number of foreign nationals without fulfilling the requirement of 182 days stay in India and without holding a business visa, and further, misrepresenting and misguiding the authorities attempt to enter into land dealings, which has to be put an end to.