Tag: Goa

Latest StoriesResidential

Goa to Regularize 20-Point Plots; Collectors Can Issue Sanads

Representative AI image 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…

Latest StoriesResidential

Paying house tax alone doesn’t legalize structures: GCZMA

PANAJI: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has issued orders for the demolition of several illegal structures, including beach shacks and unauthorized extensions to hotels and resorts, along the turtle nesting beach of Agonda in Canacona. The GCZMA clarified that paying house tax to the local panchayat does not legitimize a structure. It stated that house tax collection is merely for revenue purposes and does not serve as evidence of a structure’s legality. The GCZMA received a complaint last year regarding “rampant illegal construction” aimed at commercial benefits within the CRZ area of Agonda, which is designated as a…

Latest StoriesResidential

Goa to launch housing project in each taluka for the needy

PANAJI: The state government plans to establish one housing project in each taluka for residents who cannot afford homes or are currently homeless. This initiative will be carried out through the Goa Housing Board (GHB). According to GHB Chairman Jit Arolkar, the first project will be located in Pernem, featuring 100 one-bedroom flats. Arolkar stated that only residents of Pernem will qualify for long-term lease allocations. Arolkar further emphasized that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant desires similar projects in all talukas, highlighting that the flats will be made available to citizens under the Chief Minister Awas Yojana. The GHB is currently…

Latest StoriesResidential

20-Year Ban on Selling Regularized Houses in Goa: Draft Rules

PANAJI: The recently notified draft rules for the regularization of houses on government land specify that beneficiaries will not be permitted to sell or transfer the land, or any part of it, for a period of 20 years from the date of regularization. The state government has indicated that any transfer after 20 years will still require government approval. The draft Goa Land Revenue (Disposal Of Govt Land) (Amendment) Rules, 2025, further stipulates that applicants may incur a jail term of up to two years or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh if they submit false declarations or…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Goa Land Grab Scam Valuation May Surpass ₹1,200 Crore: ED

PANAJI: According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the market value of land parcels allegedly illegally acquired by Yeshwant Sawant and others is expected to surpass Rs 1,200 crore, as reported by Murari Shetye. The ED conducted searches on Monday and Tuesday at 13 residential and commercial locations across Goa and Hyderabad in this alleged land grab case, seizing Rs 72 lakh and seven luxury vehicles. The investigations were initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) due to illegal grabs of comunidade lands in Goa. This action followed an FIR filed by the Goa police pertaining to the unlawful…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

ED Seizes Luxury Cars in Goa ‘Illegal’ Land Grab Case

NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has confiscated seven luxury vehicles including brands such as Porsche, Mercedes, and Audi, following raids in a money laundering investigation tied to an alleged ₹1,200 crore land grabbing case in Goa. This case involves an individual named Yeshwant Sawant and several others. The operation began on Tuesday and concluded on Wednesday. According to the ED, 13 residential and commercial properties in Goa and Hyderabad were examined under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) due to the “illegal” seizure of Communidade lands in Goa, as stated in the agency’s announcement. The ED’s case is…

CommercialLatest Stories

Goa: GIDC Plans to Double FAR for Verna IT Park Expansion

PANAJI: The Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) is set to increase the permissible floor area ratio (FAR) from 150 to 300 for its proposed IT Park named ‘Hello World’ at the Verna industrial estate, pending government approval. This ambitious project spans 4 lakh sqm (98 acres) at the end of phase IV of the estate. The GIDC has designated seven plots, each measuring 25,000 sqm, for IT companies, totalling around 3 lakh sqm. The remaining 1 lakh sqm will accommodate a business hotel, hostel, and utility services. The decision was made during the 398th board meeting of GIDC on Thursday,…

Latest StoriesResidential

Goa Owners Face Fines for Missing Tenant Information

PANAJI: The state government has drafted the Goa (Verification of Tenants) Rules, 2025, which will soon impose fines on property owners who fail to provide tenant information to authorities. The government is currently inviting public objections and suggestions regarding the rules before finalizing them for implementation. “All objections and suggestions regarding the draft rules can be sent to the chief secretary or home secretary within 30 days,” stated Manesh Hari Kedar, home under secretary. If a property owner or tenant fails to submit the required information or provides false information, a report will be forwarded to the sub-divisional police officer…

Latest StoriesResidential

Tenant Verification Soars in H1 2025

Representative image created by AI PANAJI: Goa police have intensified tenant verification drives, conducting 471 inspections in the first half of 2025, a significant increase from 236 in the whole of 2024. Authorities stated that while no crimes were uncovered during these drives, they played a crucial role in preventing criminal activities and enhancing public safety. A special initiative titled ‘Know Your Neighbour’ was launched to ensure tenants and servants completed and submitted their verification forms. A senior police officer mentioned that these verification forms are filled out and forwarded to the respective native police stations for thorough checks. “Homeowners…

Latest StoriesRera

Goa RERA Sets Guidelines to Curb Misleading Ads by Builders

PANAJI: The Goa Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Rera) has introduced new guidelines prohibiting builders and realtors from including disclaimers in advertisements for housing or commercial projects in the state. According to a notification from Rera, vague descriptions of project amenities will also be deemed misleading. Rera Secretary Paresh Faldesai stated, “Amenities promised in the agreement or brochure need to be clearly specified. A simple mention of 11+ amenities will be considered misleading at first glance.” The circular, directed to the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (Credai) and the Goa Association of Realtors, emphasizes that all real estate…