Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Aug 24: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday announced that application forms under the Mhaje Ghar Yojana will be available from September 15, calling it a “special Chavath gift” for Goans.

The scheme aims to provide long-awaited legal and financial security to thousands of families whose homes lack valid ownership papers. “Even three generations after liberation, many families still don’t have legal documents. There was always fear of demolition and uncertainty over court cases. This scheme will resolve that,” Sawant said during a live interaction.

Houses built before 1972 without certificates will now be granted legality, with Village Panchayats and Municipalities mandated to issue certificates within seven days for a fee of Rs 1,000. Shops built prior to 1972 will also benefit.

For homes constructed before February 28, 2014, ownership rights will be given under Section 38A of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968. The benefit extends to revenue land, alvara, mokaso, lease areas, government property and comunidade land, for plots up to 400 sq mts plus a two-metre surrounding.

Sawant clarified that while old houses would be regularised, new land grabbing or illegal constructions would not be tolerated. Police, Panchayat Secretaries, Talathis and Mamlatdars will be empowered to stop such activities, levy fines, and even act against violations on private land.

The CM highlighted that nearly 95 per cent of Goans would benefit, with around 450 families set to get ownership rights in the first phase. Certificates under the scheme would ensure full benefits to Goans.

Sawant also referred to the amended Goa Regularisation of Unauthorised Construction Bill, 2025, under which 28,000 people applied for regularisation, with 10,000 houses already legalised. Additionally, around 6,000 families who received plots under the 20-Point Program but were denied Class I occupancy certificates will now be allotted the same.

Reforms include a flat stamp duty of Rs 5,000 on house transfers, deemed approval for delayed permits beyond 15 days, and house repair certificates within three working days. Families seeking bifurcation for separate utility connections will also benefit.
Rejecting criticism of political motives, Sawant said the initiative was designed purely for the welfare of Goans and urged people to dismiss detractors.