Tag: Panaji

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Goa CAG: Welfare Gaps for Construction Workers, Safety Laxity

Representative image PANAJI: A performance audit conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has revealed significant shortcomings in the implementation of welfare measures for building and other construction (BOC) workers in Goa. Key issues identified include the non-registration of migrant laborers, inadequate data sharing among agencies, and insufficient inspections to ensure workplace safety. The audit specifically looked into the operations of the Goa Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directives from July 2018. These directives mandated that states implement a model scheme for BOC workers and strengthen enforcement efforts. The…

Latest StoriesResidential

Over 50,000 Goa Homes to Be Regularized Soon

PANAJI: In the coming days, over 50,000 homes in Goa will be regularized as a result of three laws passed during the recent monsoon session of the legislative assembly. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the ‘Majhe Ghar’ initiative has led to several “bold, compassionate, and people-centric” reforms, ensuring every Goan family can claim their fundamental rights. Under the Goa Land Revenue Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, homes constructed on government land by landless, long-term residents before February 28, 2014, can now be regularized. Class-I occupancy will be granted for areas up to 400 sqm (including a 2m buffer). “A strict…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Goa CM: Master Plan for Eco-sensitive Zones Approved, CZMP Next

PANAJI: On Friday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced in the House that the zonal master plan for eco-sensitive areas is complete. He mentioned that the government has received authorization to draft the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) for 2019. Once finalized, structures located within 50 meters of the high tide line in urban areas will benefit, he stated. MLAs emphasized the importance of completing the CZMP 2019 to support traditional coastal residents. Calangute MLA Michael Lobo urged for regular inspections by the tourism department regarding the licenses and insurance documentation of water sports operators to prevent accidents. Lobo pointed out…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Goa Proposes Bill to Lower Stamp Duty in Certain Cases

PANAJI: On Wednesday, the state government introduced a bill aimed at reducing the stamp duty burden on mortgagors for properties mortgaged without possession. The bill also seeks to promote the registration of family trust deeds. According to the Indian Stamp (Goa Amendment) Bill, 2025, the proposed reduction in stamp duty for mortgages and trusts may impact state revenue, but the exact loss cannot be quantified at this time. This initiative is part of a broader effort to rationalize stamp duty on such instruments. The bill establishes a stamp duty of Rs 1,000 for mortgage deeds, excluding certain agreements (e.g., title…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Two Extra Years to Regularize Illegal Structures in Goa

PANAJI: The government introduced an amendment to the Goa Regularisation of Unauthorised Construction Act, 2016, on Monday, offering a new two-year timeframe for individuals to apply for the regularisation of unauthorised constructions. This amendment includes cases where unauthorised house constructions have occurred on land owned by comunidade or the government. Such land must have already been regularised by the authorized officer in case of comunidade land, and by the deputy collector for government land. The built-up area limits are revised to allow regularisation up to 500 sqm in panchayat areas and up to 600 sqm in municipal council or Corporation…

Latest StoriesResidential

Goa’s New Guidelines for House Numbers and Repairs

PANAJI: The Urban Development Department has launched new guidelines to simplify the process of issuing bifurcation or separate house numbers for existing homes. These changes aim to alleviate challenges for nuclear families living in the same dwelling who require independent utility connections. In many instances, residents in larger homes have encountered difficulties in securing distinct house numbers, complicating their access to individual water and electricity connections. The bifurcation process is essential for families who wish to live separately within the same house, creating a scenario where different family members, sometimes functioning as independent units, need their own utility services. The…

Latest StoriesResidential

Goa CM Announces Housing Scheme for the Homeless

PORVORIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced on Monday that the state government will roll out a new housing scheme for the homeless, based on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana but tailored specifically for Goa. He revealed that two areas of government land in Pernem have been earmarked for the project, where 1BHK flats will be constructed. Sawant stated that issues surrounding housing for the homeless would be addressed within two months, noting that applicants must possess a 30-year resident certificate to qualify. During a calling attention motion, Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral raised the need for a housing scheme for the…

Latest StoriesResidential

Goa to Legalize 1 Lakh Homes Built Before 1972

PANAJI: In a significant move to legalize homes under threat of demolition, the state government issued two circulars on Friday. One was from the revenue department, while the other came from the directorate of panchayat, aimed at legalizing over 100,000 illegal houses constructed on any land before 1972. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant clarified that these circulars don’t confer land ownership rights, but instead legitimize the structures and clarify the land status. “We are legalizing homes. The revenue department will issue a sanad, and the panchayat will confirm its legal status,” he stated. Sawant emphasized that with these circulars, there is…

IndustryLatest Stories

Goa forms expert panel to examine illegal homes on private land

PANAJI: In response to growing concerns regarding unauthorized structures on comunidade land, the government has established a 10-member expert committee to investigate the inappropriate usage and illegal construction of residential houses on non-government land. The committee, led by additional collector Gurudas Desai as the member secretary, will assess the current usage of state land and recommend sustainable land management policies. “The revenue department is keen for experts to examine cases where residential homes have been built on non-government land without ownership rights and to propose relevant legal, policy, or administrative measures for granting ownership and legalizing such properties, considering eligibility…

Latest StoriesResidential

PMAY House Construction in Goa Approaches Completion: Official

Representative Image PANAJI: The Goa government has successfully built 250 out of the 254 houses targeted for eligible beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), an official announced on Thursday. The initiative, designed to provide affordable housing, has been executed at an expenditure of ₹3.4 crore, as stated by the official. According to P.K. Shirodkar, nodal officer responsible for the scheme and director of the District Rural Development Agency, the goal was to construct 254 houses for qualified beneficiaries in the state. “As of now, we have completed 250 houses by strictly adhering to all procedures of this scheme.…