Team Goemkarponn
Panaji:
In a significant move aimed at boosting the ease of doing business, the Government of Goa has announced a major reform allowing village panchayats to issue or renew trade licenses for extended periods — up to 10 years — as per the applicant’s requirement.
As per a circular issued by the Directorate of Panchayats, trade licenses, which were previously issued annually, can now be obtained for 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or 10 years. The change is expected to benefit local entrepreneurs and business owners, especially startups, by reducing the bureaucratic burden of yearly renewals.
The circular highlights that the earlier system of annual renewals caused hardship to businesses seeking long-term stability. The revised format, approved by the government under the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP), aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and governance at the grassroots level.
The circular, signed by Siddhi T. Halarnakar, Director of Panchayats, calls for strict compliance from all Block Development Officers and Village Panchayat Secretaries.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant welcomed the reform, calling it a “big boost” for Goa’s business environment.
