MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday assured the Goa Legislative Assembly that the government would take stringent action against misuse of the name change law, including directing the Registration Department to examine all past cases and considering further amendments to plug loopholes.
Responding to concerns raised during a Calling Attention motion by St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar, Sawant said the government is committed to protecting Goa’s distinct identity and ensuring that ineligible persons do not fraudulently adopt traditional Goan surnames to avail benefits.
“If needed, we will make the law more stringent. We have already introduced reforms in 2019 and 2022, but the government will not hesitate to further amend the Act to prevent any misuse,” Sawant told the House.
The Chief Minister said the original Goa Change of Name and Surname Act, 1990 laid down the procedure for name and surname changes in the State. However, following a series of complaints about its misuse – particularly by individuals from outside the State changing their surnames to Goan ones – the Act was amended in 2019 and again in 2022.
The 2019 amendment introduced specific grounds under which a name or surname change could be approved, such as incorrect entries, spelling corrections, or unpleasant names.
It also made violations cognizable offences, with provisions for imprisonment and penalties for bypassing the official procedure.
The 2022 amendment tightened eligibility, allowing only those born in Goa – whose births are registered in the State – and with at least one parent or grandparent born in Goa, to apply for a name change.
The law also empowered Civil Judges (Junior Division) to handle such applications, with appellate powers given to District Judges.
Raising the issue in the House, MLA Borkar said people were deliberately changing their names to take on traditional Goan surnames to falsely claim caste-based reservations and benefits.
“It’s an attempt to erase the Goan identity,” he warned.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao called it an "invasion from one state and community to another" and demanded that the law be made more robust. Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai termed the act “fraudulent” and said penalties must be enforced strictly.
Priol MLA Govind Gaude echoed similar sentiments and suggested that making a ‘Samaj certificate’ compulsory could help prevent abuse.
Members across party lines expressed concern over the trend, urging the government to act decisively to protect Goa’s identity and ensure only genuine beneficiaries receive State benefits.
