Goa Assembly Passes Bill to Legalize Unauthorized Homes on Govt Land

The Goa assembly has taken a significant step by passing the Goa Land Revenue Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to regularize unauthorized homes built on government land before February 28, 2014. Introduced by Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate, the bill aims to alleviate issues for long-time occupants while balancing state interests.

The new legislation will integrate Section 38A into the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968, empowering deputy collectors to oversee the regularization process. However, it has sparked debate among assembly members, especially from the opposition, concerned about non-Goan beneficiaries. Only Goan residents meeting specific conditions are eligible to apply.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant clarified that the bill's provisions won't apply to areas like protected forests or coastal zones. The legislation demands that applicants apply within six months of the Act's notification, and extends a 20-year restriction on property sales, except within family members. The bill also warns against false declarations, threatening annulment, penalties, and potential imprisonment.

(With inputs from agencies.)