Depts directed to clear pending records
PANAJI
The Goa government has issued a circular directing all departments to speed up the mutation of land acquired under the Land Acquisition Act but still recorded in the names of former owners. Officials have admitted that delays in starting mutation processes have left government land open to disputes, unauthorised transactions, and administrative issues. The move aims to protect State property and ensure land records are updated properly.
Departments must now compulsorily apply to the Mamlatdar for mutation, submitting acquisition awards, possession certificates, or affidavits confirming possession. Where survey details are incorrect, affidavits with accurate information will be accepted to allow mutation in favour of the government.
If mutation has already been completed, departments must coordinate with the Inspector of Settlement and Land Records (ISLR) to assign partition numbers under Section 61 of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968. In cases where land has been transferred between departments, affidavits must be submitted to reflect correct ownership and possession.
The circular directs ISLRs to complete partition work within three months and ensure no acquired land remains pending for record updates. For older acquisitions, field checks and identification certificates will align old records with current survey maps.
Departments must also prepare a full inventory of acquisition awards, trace missing records, and rebuild them using available documents and mapping tools. Authorities have been instructed to ensure strict, time-bound compliance and maintain a proper village-wise land bank.
