Daijiworld Special Correspondent Ares in Panaji

Panaji, Jun 20: It's desi government versus videsis (foreigners) in Goa with the state government asking its concerned departments to enlist foreigners owning properties in the state to check out violations of foreign exchange management act, 1999 (FEMA) violations.

"We have initiated a process of acquiring data about such foreigners and they have been instructed to furnish information as soon as possible. Action would be initiated only after acquiring data," state chief secretary J P Singh stated.

FEMA violations became imminent following intelligence report by the local police. The chief minister Pratapsingh Rane, issued instructions to the officials to check such violations.

The locals have always been complaining about foreigners illegally acquiring properties in the state. "These foreigners get all kind of protection. They run plush business houses in connivance with the locals. They own properties here and stay here. These foreigners enjoy greater pull in the state administration and police compared to locals," stated Sachin Kurtikar, a local businessman from Candolim coastal belt.

Following persistent complaints by locals, police intelligence report and instructions from higher-ups, the civil registrar's office in the state has begun collecting data about permissions to own properties given to the foreigners. "We have given 445 such permissions in North Goa and data collection of south Goa is underway," stated state registrar, V G Salkar.

He stated that sub-registrar's office allow purchase of properties only if they are residing in Goa for more than 182 days in previous financial year. "Now, we have instructed sub-registrars that cases would be referred to personnel department. We can't verify their residence proof and we go by the affidavits sworn in by them."