PANAJI
The State government on Friday pre-published the Goa State Heritage Policy, 2025, which will be implemented in phased manner over a period of five years.
“The policy has been pre-published for information of all and for its implementation,” states the notification issued by the Directorate of Archives.
The policy speaks about more than 200 historic, archaeological and heritage sites, 122 heritage houses, 46 distinct, authentic folk forms and 61 accredited local age old traditional occupations thus ensuring a holistic approach.
It also proposes to integrate heritage conservation into Goa’s Tourism Master Plan and Urban Development Policy.
The policy speaks about various schemes the government intends to introduce for its implementation that includes Antiquities Registration Support Scheme, Heritage Incentive Portal (HIP), Heritage Training and Certification Scheme, Heritage Research and Academic Collaboration Fund, Heritage Property Tax Rebate Scheme, Eco-Friendly Construction Material Subsidy Fund, Goa Heritage Preservation Fund (GHPF), Cultural Heritage Documentation Scheme and Promotion of Festivals and Traditional Fairs Scheme.
The policy also proposes to develop and implement site management plans for prominent state-protected heritage sites and organise annual inspections and maintenance schedules for public heritage properties.
For heritage tourism, the government intends to introduce promotional schemes like Homestay Development and Eco-Cultural Tourism Scheme and Heritage Craft Village and Souvenir Production Scheme.
The other key proposals include setting up the Goa State Heritage Council, creating a GIS-based heritage asset registry, providing financial incentives and tax rebates for private heritage conservation, and introducing heritage education into academic curricula etc. The policy stresses community participation and stronger legal protections to prevent cultural crimes and encroachments.
