VASCO
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday rolled out the much-awaited Mhaje Ghar initiative in Mormugao taluka, distributing forms to residents across three locations at Baina, Vasco and Chicalim.
The forms were distributed in the presence of Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, and Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar.
Addressing the gathering, Sawant said the government had designed the scheme with the people’s interests at heart, to bring lasting security and peace of mind to Goans who have struggled for decades to legalise their homes.
“I have seen how people work their entire lives to build a house, spending their lifetime savings, but still live under constant fear of demolition because their homes stand on government land. The Mhaje Ghar initiative, through the Revenue Department, ensures a full-proof and trustworthy legal framework to regularise such homes,” said the Chief Minister.
He further added that the opposition had attempted to block the scheme for political reasons, not wanting people to gain ownership rights.
Sawant clarified that every household would receive forms in a systematic manner, with six months’ time to submit them. He said assistance would be provided through the offices of the MLAs, councillors, the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), and the Deputy Collector, where staff would help people fill out forms and obtain documents free of cost. Applicants would only have to pay the official government fees, with receipts.
“If a person’s house is marked on the survey plan, and their name appears on Forms I and XIV, along with a valid house tax receipt, they can directly obtain a sanad from the Deputy Collector’s office. Once a sanad is issued, no authority can demolish the house, whether it stands on government or orchard land,” Sawant said, adding that applicants must attach their sanad, house tax receipt, and water bill with the application form to obtain permanent legal certification.
Highlighting additional benefits, he said people seeking to repair their houses could obtain a repair certificate within three working days by submitting an engineer’s estimate, structural stability certificate, and house tax receipt to the MMC.
“In cases where two brothers living in the same house wish to have separate water or electricity connections, the MMC will issue a bifurcation NOC within three working days,” he said.
The Chief Minister also announced financial support for low-income families. “Under the Atal Asra Yojana, the government is offering financial assistance of up to Rs 1.5 lakh for house repairs to the poor,” Sawant added.
