Panaji, July 21:
BJP MLA Ulhas Tuenkar has urged the Goa government to halt ongoing auctions of Goa Housing Board (GHB) plots, raising concerns over soaring prices that are pushing Goans out of the housing market and enabling outsiders to acquire land meant for locals.
Speaking in the Goa Legislative Assembly, Tuenkar highlighted that the auction model is proving to be unaffordable for average Goan families. “The Housing Board’s mission is to provide homes for Goans. The current auction system is defeating that purpose by catering only to the highest bidders, many of whom are from outside the state,” he said.
Responding to the concern, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant clarified that the government mandates a 30-year residency in Goa to qualify for GHB plots. However, he acknowledged that the present auction framework tends to favour the wealthy and may require reform.
“We are considering amendments to ensure equitable access to housing for Goans. The purpose of GHB is to provide affordable homes, not to profit at the cost of the common people,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister also announced that the government plans to build affordable housing units in Pernem under the GHB. Additionally, a re-survey is currently underway to identify beneficiaries for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), with 240 homes already completed in rural areas.
To further assist self-builders and home buyers, the state is offering a ₹2.5 lakh subsidy for those constructing or purchasing houses independently.
The discussion marks a growing demand for a policy overhaul to prioritize Goan families in the state’s housing schemes amid rising real estate prices and increased external demand.
