PANAJI
In a significant move, the Goa government has taken a decisive step to regularise over one lakh old houses constructed before 1972, including those located on Alvara or Bhatkar land, provided they are marked on the survey plan. The process, which begins on August 1, will involve the issuance of crucial certificates “ Settlement Land Certificate from Deputy Collector and Structure Regularisation Certificate from either Panchayat or Municipality, as per the structural jurisdiction.
The crucial decision was taken during the Cabinet meeting on Friday, following which the government issued three circulars to clear the confusion about which houses in Goa are legal or illegal. “This will benefit those whose homes are reflected in the original survey plans of the early 1970s. Even if the structure is on Bhatkar land or Alvara land, it will be considered for regularisation,” Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told media persons post meeting.
He explained that the first step will be the issuance of a Settlement Land Certificate by the Deputy Collector. To be eligible, the house must be shown on the old survey plans prepared under the Goa Land Revenue Code of 1968, typically between 1970 and 1972.
The structure must occupy at least 25 per cent of the plot, and the total area of the holding must not exceed 1,000 square metres. Upon submitting an application with a fee of Rs 1,000, the Deputy Collector will verify the supporting documents, such as Form I and XIV, and Form D, and consult the Directorate of Settlement and Land Records, if necessary. If you are found eligible, the certificate will be issued within one week.
After verification, a “Settlement Land Certificate” will be issued within seven days, certifying the structure as legal and exempt from conversion provisions under the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968.
The second step involves verification and certification from the local panchayat or municipal body, depending on whether the structure lies in a rural or urban area. The respective authority, either the Panchayat Secretary or the Municipal Chief Officer, will issue a certificate stating that the house is an existing legal structure and is assessed for house tax.
“However, these certificates do not confer ownership rights but only validate the legality of the land and the structure,” the Chief Minister clarified adding that these certificates acts as a conversion sanad itself and no further conversion sanad will be needed for reconstruction purposes.
The government expects the initiative to benefit over one lakh households across the State. “We are giving people clarity, dignity and recognition through this step. The process is clear, time-bound, and meant to eliminate harassment and confusion,” Sawant said, adding that all three circulars, to the Revenue Department, Directorate of Panchayats, and Directorate of Municipal Administration, have been issued.
