Team Goemkarponn
Panaji |
In a significant and long-awaited move, the Goa government has announced the regularisation of over one lakh houses constructed before 1972, including those built on traditional tenurial lands like Alvara and Bhatkar properties. The initiative, set to be rolled out from August 1, 2025, aims to provide legal recognition to homes that have existed for decades but lacked formal documentation.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant made the announcement while addressing the press, stating that the government has issued three detailed circulars to implement this regularisation process effectively. “This is not just a policy decision; it is a social justice initiative that brings peace of mind to thousands of Goans who have lived in legal limbo for generations,” the Chief Minister said.
Thousands of homes across Goa, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, were built before the State’s liberation in 1961 and in the decade that followed. However, due to historical land ownership patterns and lack of streamlined land records, many of these houses—especially those built on Alvara (leased) or Bhatkar (landlord) lands—were never formally registered or given ownership certificates.
As a result, generations of families have lived in these houses without legal documents, making them vulnerable to eviction threats, legal disputes, and ineligibility for bank loans or government welfare schemes.
3-Step Regularisation Process
The government has designed a simplified and time-bound 3-step procedure to ensure fast-track regularisation:
1. Settlement Land Certificate: The Deputy Collector of the respective taluka will issue this certificate after verifying that the house was indeed constructed before 1972 and appears in official land or survey records.
2. Structure Verification by Local Bodies: The Panchayat or Municipality will then conduct a physical inspection to ensure that the structure exists and complies with local norms. They will issue a verification certificate accordingly.
3. Legal Home Certificate: Once verified, the final Legal Home Certificate will be granted to the house owner, conferring full legal status on the property.
CM Sawant confirmed that this entire process has been carefully structured to be completed within just seven days, minimizing red tape and ensuring timely benefits.
The announcement has been met with widespread relief and optimism, especially among elderly homeowners and families who have been waiting for generations for legal clarity. Experts believe that this move will not only resolve pending land disputes but also boost property values and access to financial services.
“This is a historic decision that recognises the rights of traditional Goan settlers,” said a senior official from the Department of Revenue. “It brings legitimacy to the homes that are part of Goa’s cultural and architectural heritage.”
The government is expected to release detailed application procedures and eligibility guidelines ahead of the August 1 rollout.
Sawant said that to qualify, the plot must not exceed 1000 square metres, and the structure should cover at least 25% of the total area as shown in the original survey plan. Applicants must submit a request to the Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Officer in a prescribed format, along with supporting documents such as Form I & XIV, survey plans, and a nominal fee.
After verification, a “Settlement Land Certificate” will be issued within seven days, certifying the structure as legal and exempt from conversion provisions under the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968.
The government has emphasised that this decision brings much-needed clarity and uniformity to land-related regulations and is aimed at reducing public inconvenience and administrative delays.
