GOAN MUTATIONS - 5.

GOAN MUTATIONS-5.
By Valmiki Faleiro.

The computer age is upon us. For about two decades, computers have made life easierand simpler for users. But, in the case of Goa’s government, results have been opposite.Insofar as computerized land records and mutations go. As I said before, now it is morelike jets being flown by bullock-cart drivers. In the business of making plots from 1984, I added an USP by getting mutation andpartition of survey records done for my clients, almost free. Because individually, clientsfaced a lot of harassment even in those pre-computer days. As it involved a single sub-divided property with a common survey number, I moved asingle application of behalf of my clients.

If a property was sub-divided into 50 plots, nowowned by 50 people, a joint application got the mutation done in about one month’s time.The longer process of partition took about four months. Both done manually. Then came computerization. (I’ve written here about the mess of digitized survey maps,Jan 29-Feb 12, 2006.) Computerization, Goa government style, made mutations neitherfaster nor easier, but achieved the contrary. What could previously be done with a single application (for 50 plot owners) was no longer possible. Thanks to flawed software, privately sourced at substantial public cost, by someone in a hurry. The software rejects a common mutation Case No. for multiple applicants, even whenthe Survey No. is common. One must now move 50 separate applications. Fifty timesthe paperwork, 50 different cases, 50 times the time taken to do what previously wasdone manually. Or computers in reverse gear. Much like replacing the good old bullswith jet engines – to drive the same bullock cart, retrogressively.

I wrote to the Revenue Secretary. He forwarded my letter to the Collector. Who in turnforwarded it to the Dy. Collector. You’d have heard the adage, “Dhonian sanglemchakrak, chakran sanglem sunneak, sunnean sanglem xempdek.” Need is the mother of invention. I carefully re-read the Land Revenue Code and rules.And discovered that partition could be done u/Sec.59(c) once the sub-division was fullyapproved. It meant that each plot would have its own survey number and Form I & XIV.All the purchaser would need to do is transfer the plot to his name – with just one notice,to the Vendor (me.) I applied to the Director of Settlement & Land Records. Explained how this single actwould save time and money both for government and plot purchasers. How it would entirely avoid 50 separate partition cases at four different public offices – Dy. Collector,Mamlatdar, Talathi and his own – and save mountains of paper, files and processes.

The incumbent was the same corrupt bloke from Andhra Pradesh, who messed up thesurvey map digitization. Despite powers clearly vested in him under law, he wanted meto cite a case where this was done before. I asked him to set the precedent. He refused.Because doing that would forestall a multiplicity of future partition cases. More thepartition cases, more the bribes! The man, back in the old post, proposes to set up an “Integrated Land Records” system.Laudable, albeit diametrically opposite to his known actions (as in the case above.) Henow wants software to be developed and hardware to be procured – all of which (markmy words!) will come from Hyderabad, as botched as the digitized survey maps. Hishare-brained minister will be satisfied with crumbs. All this tall talk when existing procedures in his department are woeful.

Take just one instance. Original PT Sheets are retained at HQ in Panjim. Partitions at Taluka level arecarried out on copies – that are not transcribed in the originals at HQ. What the limbs dothe head does not know. But can one blame only officials? They reflect their masters, our elected ‘honourables.’Are these better? Could the Revenue Minister be expected to be even interested in theproblems, much less learn and understand them and come up with some solutions?Then again, can we blame the MLAs/Ministers? Who elects them, time and time again?(Concludes.)

PS: Dr. Antonio Mascarenhas, a senior scientist, relates how his mutation hangs for 17months before the Salcete Mamlatdar. Despite death certificates, “notices” were sent tohis long-deceased uncle and three aunts … ask not where the notices were served! PPS: Nikhil Purov, a friend from Mumbai, said this to my comment on the TOI ad line,'Bum Fodo Inam Jeetho' (Nov 9): “The new Reliance DTH slogan says, ‘Ho tho Big Ho.’A Marathi TV ad says ‘Asava ter Motha Asava.’ Both mean, if you have it, it must be big.Neither elucidates what must be big.” (ENDS.)

The Valmiki Faleiro weekly column at:

Holy Family Choir Annual Parents' Day on 28 Nov 08

The Holy Family Choir will celebrate their Annual Parents' Day 2008 with a Musical Programme entitled 'THE WISE FOOLS' on Friday, 28th November 2008 at the Holy Family Cathedral's Sacred Heart Hall - Kuwait City @ 7:00 p.m.

A variety of programs in English and Konkani including rib- tickling comedy skits will be staged during the event.

All parishioners are cordially invited..!