Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: High-end businesses operating in Goa’s village panchayat areas may have to pay substantially more for trade licences if a proposed fee structure is notified by the State government.
The Directorate of Panchayats has placed the draft Goa Panchayat Raj (Grant of Permission/Trade License and Levying of Permission Fees/Trade License Fees) Rules, 2026, in the public domain and sought objections and suggestions within 15 days.
The proposed rules will take effect only once they are formally notified in the Official Gazette.
One of the key changes is an area- and establishment-based system for determining maximum licence fees. Under the draft, land-based casinos could be charged as much as Rs 5,000 per square metre every year.
For the hospitality sector, the proposed ceiling is Rs 2,000 per room or suite for star hotels and luxury resorts. Clubs, pubs, lounges and discotheques could face a maximum annual charge of Rs 1,500 per square metre.
The draft seeks to establish a common framework for permission and trade licence fees across village panchayats. For this purpose, panchayats would be placed in two categories, taking into consideration factors such as tourism, industrial activity and the extent of commercial development.
Panchayats would still be able to decide the actual rates applicable in their respective areas through resolutions. However, any rate above the ceilings prescribed in the rules would require government approval.
The proposed limits for smaller businesses would be substantially lower. In Category A panchayats, ordinary shops and commercial establishments functioning from RCC premises could be charged between Rs 50 and Rs 150 per square metre per year, with the rate linked to the size of the premises.
For Category B panchayats, the corresponding range would be Rs 30 to Rs 100 per square metre.
The draft places several major commercial establishments in higher fee brackets. Mega stores, showrooms, corporate retail outlets, corporate offices, banks and insurance companies could be charged up to Rs 200 per square metre annually in Category A panchayats.
Another proposed provision would allow businesses to secure licences for extended periods rather than renewing them annually. Options of one, three, five and 10 years would be available, provided the entire applicable fee is paid in advance.
