PANAJI
The Goa Cabinet on Wednesday approved Ordinances amending three laws – the Goa Land Revenue Code, the Indian Stamp Duty Act as applicable to Goa, and the Cooperation law – paving the way for the launch of the ‘Mhazo Flat’ scheme on the lines of the ‘Mhaje Ghar’ initiative.
The scheme is aimed at thousands of flat owners who face legal ownership issues due to disputes between builders and landowners, tainting the title.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the move will finally give long‑pending relief to flat owners who purchased their apartments decades ago but remain without conveyance deeds.
Addressing the post-Cabinet press conference Sawant explained that many buyers hold only 'agreements for sale', with land on which the apartment building was constructed, still either in
the name of the original owner or in a dispute with the builder.
"Without legal ownership, owners are unable to carry out repairs or redevelopment. The government has now simplified the process of unilateral deemed conveyance, allowing housing societies to secure ownership without builder or landowner consent," Sawant said.
He said, the ordinances will be forwarded to the Governor's office for approval and promulgation.
Under the new framework, flat owners will have to form housing societies even if disputes persist with landowners or builders. The Cooperation Department will intervene directly to complete conveyance deeds, transferring deemed ownership to the society.
This will open the door for renovation and redevelopment and applicant societies will have to pay a registration fee of Rs 10,000 and a nominal stamp duty of Rs 1,000.
Stamp duty has been classified by geography: coastal and urban areas fall under Group A, municipal areas under Group B, and rural panchayat areas under Group C.
Rural applicants will pay the least duty.
Cooperation Minister Subhash Shirodkar who was also present at the press conference said the decision will benefit thousands of flat owners across the State.
The Cabinet, meanwhile, also approved other measures, including a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) to upgrade railways linked infrastructure.
Another MoU was approved under which Sulabh International will build or renovate some 19 public toilets.
Sawant said the government also approved the Chief Minister’s Sukanya Skill Development Scheme to encourage technical education among young women. Under the scheme, all girl students admitted to government ITIs will have their fees waived.
Sawant said the 'Mhazo Flat' scheme represents a landmark step in securing housing rights to those who faced legal hurdles due to inadequacy of their ownership title.
“This will give rightful recognition to thousands of families who have struggled for decades to correct their documentation,” he said.
