PANAJI
The Goa Legislative Assembly on Wednesday passed the Goa Ease of Doing Business (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2026 by a voice vote amid noisy scenes and strong objections from the Opposition, which alleged that the legislation could facilitate the takeover of industrial land by private investors.
As Chief Minister Pramod Sawant moved for the passage of the Bill, Opposition MLAs raised slogans and rushed to the well of the House, claiming the proposed amendments would provide a "carte blanche" to private entities through the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC).
Several Opposition legislators argued during the consideration stage that the Bill could pave the way for large-scale conversion of industrial plots into freehold land, potentially opening the door to misuse and speculation.
Rejecting the allegations, Sawant defended the legislation as a carefully designed reform measure aimed at improving Goa's business environment. He maintained that adequate safeguards had been built into the law and asserted that land allotted for industrial purposes under the provisions would not be allowed to be used for any other purpose.
The Chief Minister said the amendments were part of a broader effort to streamline regulations, reduce procedural hurdles and promote investment in the State while retaining necessary oversight.
Quoting the bill's statement of objects and reasons, Sawant said, it is aligned with the Union government's drive to reduce compliance burdens and promote deregulation.
The legislation seeks to encourage trust-based governance, improve the ease of living and doing business, and support investment-led economic growth, he said.
The amendments also seek to promote risk-based regulation, self-certification, transparent and time-bound approvals, and stronger single-window mechanisms for delivery of services.
Sawant said, the reforms will be implemented without compromising safeguards related to public health, worker welfare, environmental protection, educational standards, land-use planning, public revenue and procedural fairness.
