Panaji: The BJP government in Goa has expressed reservations over the Centre listing some of the state's monuments for adoption without consulting the local authorities

"We should be clear about what exactly is the adoption scheme. The experience with Delhi (the central government) has been that they come with a small thing and then they take over your whole asset," archives minister Vijai Sardesai said.

The Old Goa churches are an asset of the state and the Church has to be taken into confidence, he said, adding that "here in this case, we were not aware".

"We as a government would like to be clear about the whole scheme and the adoption procedure, its transparency and whether the Church was taken into confidence," Sardesai said.

Cabinet members have aired apprehension over the Union culture ministry's scheme under which, Sardesai claimed, six monuments in Goa, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa, have been listed for adoption.

"The news is that monuments, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, have been listed for adoption by private players. The Goa government is in the dark about it. It is a religious place of huge importance, the relics of St Francis Xavier are kept there," Sardesai said on Wednesday.

The Chapora and Cab de Rama forts have also been listed, he said, adding that "we will not allow anyone to take over the forts under the guise of providing some amenities". PTI