PANAJI: The revenue department is taking steps to regularize residential plots allocated under the 20-Point Programme scheme for underprivileged sections, addressing long-standing challenges faced by allottees in obtaining necessary clearances and financial aid.
A recent circular from the revenue department indicates that district collectors in both North and South Goa are now empowered to directly issue Class I sanads, even for lands valued over Rs 50,000, without needing to consult the council of ministers. Once regularized, these grants will be classified under Section 37B of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968.
Beneficiaries are also permitted to approach deputy collectors for the regularization of their structures in accordance with the Goa Regularization of Unauthorised Construction Act, 2016. Both collectors have been instructed to act upon this directive immediately.
During its meeting on August 6, the state cabinet greenlit a new policy framework to categorize these plots into three distinct groups.
The 20-Point Programme plots were initially designated as Occupants Class II under Section 21 of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968. Beneficiaries have faced challenges in acquiring NOCs for home repairs or renovations, and in receiving bank loans due to land tenure issues.
Under the new classification:
- Category A: This includes plots where allottees have constructed homes as per grant conditions and reside there with their families or legal heirs. These will be converted to Class I occupancy and legal titles (sanads) will be issued upon fulfilling the necessary terms and paying a premium equivalent to one-twentieth of the fair market value or the minimum land rate as per the Goa Stamp (Determination of True Market Value of Property) Rules 2003.
- Category B: This consists of vacant and unutilized plots, which will revert to the government, with district collectors granted authority to take possession.
- Category C: This category pertains to instances where original allottees have illicitly transferred possession to third parties. In many of these cases, these third parties have constructed homes and reside on the plots. As a one-time measure, the government will regularize these cases by granting Class I occupancy, with sanads issued contingent on payment of the same premium as Category A, plus an additional penalty.
This decision follows judicial interventions regarding the improper use of plots under the program. In April, the Bombay High Court called for an inquiry into alleged illegal constructions, commercial activities, and leasing/selling of properties in Socorro.
