Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: In a landmark decision, the Goa Cabinet has finalised the fee structure under the Mhaje Ghar scheme, paving the way for thousands of Goan families to obtain long-awaited legal and financial security for their homes.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said the move will resolve decades of uncertainty for families living in houses without ownership documents. “Even three generations after liberation, many families still don’t have legal papers. There was always fear of demolition and court cases. This scheme will resolve that,” Sawant said during a live interaction.
For houses built before 1972, the fee has been fixed at ₹25 per sq. metre, along with a 20% penalty. Constructions from 1973–1986 will attract 50% of the circle rate plus a 20% penalty, while those built between 1987–2000 will pay 75% of the circle rate plus penalty. Homes constructed from 2001–2014 will be charged the full circle rate notified in 2014 with a 20% penalty.
The Cabinet also approved that all collections will be directly credited to Communidade accounts, strengthening village institutions financially. For government land, the same timeline applies, linked to the minimum land value of 2014, with households eligible for a Class 1 Sanad upon payment.
The scheme covers revenue land, alvara, mokaso, lease areas, government property, and Communidade land, up to 400 sq. mts plus a two-metre surrounding. Houses and shops built before 1972 without certificates will now be granted legality, with Village Panchayats and Municipalities mandated to issue certificates within seven days for a fee of ₹1,000.
For homes constructed before February 28, 2014, ownership rights will be conferred under Section 38A of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968.
Sawant clarified that while the scheme regularises old houses, new land grabbing or illegal constructions will not be tolerated. Police, Panchayat Secretaries, Talathis and Mamlatdars will be empowered to act against violations, stop such activities, levy fines, and even take action on private land.
According to Sawant, nearly 95 per cent of Goans stand to benefit from the scheme, with around 450 families set to receive ownership rights in the first phase. Certificates issued will secure full ownership benefits for Goans, ending decades of legal insecurity.
