PANAJI: According to new rules announced by the government on Friday, comunidades can develop their land in partnership with developers, reserving 20% of this development for affordable housing specifically for gaonkars. The comunidades are required to invite bids from developers for land development in proportions determined by their managing committee.
“The proportions decided by the comunidade’s managing committee will indicate the area of plots to be developed, including amenity plots which are part of the comunidade share. Of this, 20% must be allocated for affordable housing for gaonkars, after accounting for areas utilized for facility infrastructure. Post-development, the remaining plots will be transferred to the developer,” as outlined in the Goa Comunidade Land Development and Regulation (First Amendment) Rules, 2025.
The development proposals must detail the plots, sub-division layout, proposed facilities, and the percentage and extent of the plots to be developed along with their respective plot numbers, including amenities offered to the comunidade in exchange for the full land development.
“The developer must specify how many plots they will receive upon completing the project,” the rules stipulate. “Development work must commence within three months of obtaining all required statutory permissions.” Following project completion, the comunidade will conduct an inspection.
“The comunidade may issue a completion certificate or provide written reasons for any refusal. If refused, the developer must address deficiencies and re-submit their application for the completion certificate,” mentioned under-secretary (revenue-I) Vrushika Kauthankar.
“If the application is rejected, the developer can appeal to the government if they believe the reasons for refusal are unjust or unreasonable. If the appeal is not filed or denied, the developer must vacate the site immediately,” Kauthankar added.
Comunidades can pursue development for purposes such as establishing a commercial vegetable market, playground, community center, school, or other educational and community buildings.
