Panaji, October 26: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Girish Chodankar has accused the BJP-led government of sacrificing the employment prospects of thousands of Goan youth by abandoning the proposed Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat at Dona Paula and facilitating the commercial exploitation of prime public land through a controversial Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project.

 

Addressing a press conference on Monday, Chodankar alleged that approximately 3.46 lakh square metres of valuable land, which he estimated to be worth over ₹5,100 crore, was being offered for commercial development against an upfront concession fee of just ₹108 crore.

Calling it a potential ₹5,000-crore land scam, Chodankar demanded an independent investigation into the transaction, the valuation of the land and the role of government authorities in approving the project.

₹5,100-Crore Land, ₹108-Crore Upfront Fee?

Presenting documents, land records and tender details, Chodankar claimed that the project covered two land parcels measuring 2,61,203 square metres and 84,655 square metres, totalling 3,45,858 square metres.

Applying an estimated market rate of ₹1.50 lakh per square metre, he placed the land’s indicative value at approximately ₹5,100 crore.

He questioned how such valuable public land could be offered under a concession arrangement involving an upfront payment of only ₹108 crore.

Chodankar, however, did not establish that the upfront fee represented the entire financial consideration under the concession agreement. He demanded disclosure of the complete financial structure, including revenue-sharing arrangements, development rights and other benefits accruing to the government.

He further claimed that the project’s potential commercial value could reach ₹1 lakh crore if developed with a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 3.0 and extensive commercial utilisation. This figure was presented as a projected scenario rather than an independently established valuation.

IT Habitat Dream Sacrificed for Commercial Interests

Recalling the original Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat project, Chodankar said approximately 2.85 lakh square metres of land had been transferred in June 2000 to establish an IT hub at Dona Paula.

The foundation stone was laid by then Congress President Sonia Gandhi on February 23, 2006, during the tenure of Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane and IT Minister Dayanand Narvekar.

The project was expected to attract investments of around ₹400 crore and initially generate approximately 10,000 jobs.

However, it stalled in December 2007 following protests and controversies surrounding land allotments.

Chodankar recalled that Atanasio (Babush) Monserrate was among those who opposed the project at the time.

He questioned why successive governments failed to revive the IT Habitat despite growing unemployment among educated Goans.

“The government has pushed the future of Goan youth into darkness by abandoning a project intended to create thousands of jobs,” Chodankar alleged.

He accused the BJP government of prioritising commercial real estate development over employment generation, forcing educated Goans to seek opportunities outside the state.

Valor Estate PPP Deal Under Scrutiny

Chodankar identified Valor Estate Limited, formerly DB Realty, as the private developer associated with the proposed PPP concession.

Referring to the November 2025 Request for Proposal, January 2026 pre-bid clarifications, March 2026 Letter of Award and July 2026 concession agreement, he questioned the transparency of the tendering and approval process.

He demanded that the government make public the complete concession agreement, comparative financial bids, land valuation reports, planning approvals and land-use permissions.

The Congress leader also questioned whether the proposed commercial, hospitality and convention-related development was consistent with the original purpose for which the land had been earmarked.

Sawant, Monserrate Face Congress Questions

Chodankar directly questioned Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Minister Atanasio Monserrate over their respective roles in the project.

He sought clarification on the approvals granted by government departments, local bodies and planning authorities.

Referring to Monserrate’s earlier opposition to the IT Habitat, Chodankar questioned the political circumstances surrounding the proposed commercial development of the same area.

He also warned government officials against facilitating any irregularities, stating that officers responsible for granting permissions and processing project files could face accountability if wrongdoing was established.

Congress Promises Cancellation in 2027

Announcing the party’s political stand, Chodankar declared that Congress would scrap the controversial PPP Convention Centre project if voted to power in the 2027 Goa Assembly elections.

He asserted that the interests of Goan youth must take precedence over the commercial interests of private developers and political leaders.

Chodankar also demanded the immediate cancellation of the tender and a comprehensive examination of the entire decision-making process.

The central question, he said, was why land originally intended to generate 10,000 jobs for Goan youth was now being considered for large-scale commercial development.

The allegations, land valuation estimates and projected commercial potential cited by Chodankar remain subject to independent verification. The government’s and developer’s responses were not included in the press statement.

Chodankar maintained that Congress would continue pursuing the issue until the government disclosed the complete details of the project and justified the proposed use of valuable public land.