Summary:
* Goa’s Urban Development Department has introduced a new system for issuing Trade & Occupation Licenses within 24 hours, or licenses will be automatically deemed approved.
* The process is now 100% online, requiring only Form B and a Self Declaration with the latest house tax receipt.
* Licenses can be issued for 3, 5, or 7 years, reducing the need for frequent renewals.
* The circular applies to all Municipal Councils and the Corporation of Panaji.
* Strict action will be taken for violations under the Goa Municipalities Act and related laws.
* CM Dr. Pramod Sawant hailed the move as a key step towards a business-friendly Goa.
Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Government of Goa has announced a major administrative reform aimed at simplifying and accelerating the process of obtaining Trade and Occupation Licenses in municipal areas. As per a circular issued by the Department of Urban Development on Thursday, such licenses will now be issued or renewed within 24 hours of submission — or will be considered automatically granted if not processed in time.
The directive, issued under the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP), marks a significant step toward enhancing the ease of doing business in the state. Under the new system, applicants will be required to apply exclusively through the online mode and submit only two documents: Form ‘B’ accompanied by the latest house tax receipt, and a self-declaration in the prescribed format. The process has been streamlined to reduce bureaucratic delays and encourage entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses.
According to the circular, the license will be granted for a duration of three, five, or seven years, depending on the applicant’s choice. This flexibility is expected to reduce repetitive paperwork and provide long-term operational stability to business owners. Additionally, the circular specifies that if licensing fees are revised during the validity period, the differential amount will be collected at the time of renewal.
All Chief Officers of Municipal Councils and the Commissioner of the Corporation of the City of Panaji have been directed to ensure compliance with the new rules and to take necessary action in case of any violations under the Goa Municipalities Act, 1968, or the City of Panaji Corporation Act, 2002, including relevant rules and by-laws.
The order, signed by Director of Urban Development Brijesh Manerkar, emphasizes strict compliance and clarifies that the automatic approval clause shall apply if officials fail to process an application within the stipulated 24-hour window.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant also took to social media to highlight the reform, stating that it represents a significant milestone in building a vibrant and business-friendly Goa. “This landmark reform means faster approvals, zero hassle, and more time for you to grow your business,” the Chief Minister posted, reaffirming the government’s commitment to administrative transparency and economic empowerment.
The move has received positive feedback from entrepreneurs and local trade bodies, who have long demanded easier and more efficient licensing systems. With this reform, Goa positions itself alongside leading states in terms of responsive governance and business facilitation, aligning with national objectives of promoting startup culture and regulatory ease.
