Goa Bill Stirs Controversy Over Regularisation of Unauthorised Constructions

The Goa assembly passed a controversial bill to regularize unauthorised constructions on comunidade lands. Despite opposition protests, the legislation aims to benefit Goans by amending a 2016 Act. The move addresses houses at risk of demolition, with provisions for structures on communal and government lands.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Panaji | Updated: 08-08-2025 10:39 IST | Created: 08-08-2025 10:39 IST
Goa Bill Stirs Controversy Over Regularisation of Unauthorised Constructions
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The Goa assembly has incited contentious debate by passing a bill designed to regularize specific categories of unauthorised constructions on comunidade lands. The opposition, voicing strong disapproval, argues that the legislation primarily aids non-Goans. However, the government asserts it is meant to benefit Goans.

State Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate introduced the Goa Regularisation of Unauthorised Construction (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to extend the provisions for regularizing certain illegal constructions, including those on community-managed lands. The bill introduces specific conditions for older structures to prevent demolitions that had concerned the Goa Bench of Bombay High Court and the National Green Tribunal.

As tensions peaked, opposition members disrupted the session, leading to adjournments. Later, they protested outside the assembly. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant emphasized the bill's goal to assist Goans, noting 35,000 homes might benefit. Eligible structures must meet age criteria and obtain approvals from respective comunidade bodies to qualify for regularization.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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