Panaji: In a landmark initiative aimed at granting legal status to thousands of longstanding Goan households, the Goa government will begin regularising homes constructed before 1972, including those built on Alvara and Bhatkar lands, from August 1.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on Friday announced that the government has issued three circulars outlining the streamlined procedure, which is expected to benefit over one lakh homes across the state.
Under the new system, the regularisation process will be completed in three stages:
1. Issuance of Settlement Land Certificate by the Deputy Collector.
2. Verification and certification of the structure by the local Panchayat or Municipality.
3. Issuance of Legal Home Certificate to the homeowner.
The entire process has been designed to be completed within seven days, offering a fast-tracked solution for thousands of Goans who have lived in homes lacking formal legal status, despite being reflected in official survey plans prior to 1972.
“This decision addresses a long-pending concern of Goans who have lived in their homes for generations without legal clarity. We are committed to ensuring that they finally receive rightful ownership and peace of mind,” said CM Sawant.
The move is seen as a major step towards resolving land and property disputes across the state, and is expected to significantly benefit families residing in traditional village homes and inherited ancestral properties.
