Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a major step to address long-pending land issues, the Goa government has announced fresh measures under the 20-Point Programme to provide legal ownership to families residing on allotted plots while reclaiming unused ones.
According to official data, there are over 5,000 plots allotted under the scheme across the State. However, many beneficiaries have been unable to obtain NOCs for renovations, repairs or loans since their allotments are still classified as Class-II and lack full legal recognition.
Under the revised guidelines, plots have been divided into three categories:
Category A: Families who have constructed houses and are residing on their allotted land. These will be upgraded to Class-I occupancy by granting a Sanad, upon payment of a premium fixed at 1/20th of the prevailing market value or the notified minimum rate.
Category B: Plots that have remained vacant or where allottees never took possession will be taken back by the government.
Category C: Cases where land was transferred without permission and new occupants have built and lived in houses prior to February 28, 2014. These will be regularised once, subject to payment of both the standard premium and an additional penalty of the same amount.
The order further authorises Collectors in both districts to issue Sanads for plots valued at more than ₹50,000, eliminating the earlier requirement of cabinet approval. Once regularised, these lands will come under Section 37B of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968, while any construction issues may be settled under the Goa Regularisation of Unauthorised Construction Act, 2016.
Officials said the move aims to give rightful security to households that have lived on such land for years while also reclaiming idle plots for redistribution or public use.
