PANAJI
With effect from August 1, the circular issued to regularise old houses constructed before 1972 and marked on the survey plan has come into force. These houses will be treated as settled land and will not require fresh conversion sanads.
The process 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.
This move is expected to benefit nearly one lakh structures across Goa, providing long-awaited legal clarity and relief to many homeowners.
To be eligible, the house must be shown on the old survey plans that have been prepared under the Goa Land Revenue Code of 1968, typically between the years 1970 and 1972.
The structure in question must occupy at least 25 per cent of the plot, and the total area of the holding must not exceed 1,000 square metres.
“It has come to the notice of the Government that in several cases, structures which are already in existence and are duly reflected in the records of rights (Form I and XIV) as well as in the survey plans prepared under the provisions of the Goa, Daman and Diu Land Revenue Code, 1968 (sometime during the period around 1970 to 1972) are being required to obtain a fresh Conversion Sanad at the time of reconstruction,” the Revenue department said in a notification issued.
“This has led to certain ambiguities and inconsistent interpretations across departments regarding the applicability of the conversion provisions under the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968,” it added.
“In view of the above, it is hereby clarified that in cases where a structure is already in existence and is reflected both in Form I and XIV and in the survey plan prepared under the said Code during the aforementioned period, such area shall be treated as settled land, as the said area of structure does not form part of agricultural land requiring conversion. Accordingly, the requirement of obtaining a fresh Conversion Sanad shall not arise in respect of the area covered by such structure,” the department said.
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.
