PANAJI
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday hailed Goa government’s rapid progress, stating it is on the path to becoming a fully developed State in the next 10 years.
“For over 15 years, since I have been visiting Goa, there has been a remarkable transformation in the State. The pace of development here is inspiring. By 2035“36, Goa will be a fully ‘Vikasit’ (developed) State, much before our vision for ‘Vikasit Bharat’ 2047,” he said.
The union minister was addressing a large public gathering at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium after launching the Mhaje Ghar Yojana.
Shah highlighted Goa’s achievements in infrastructure, human development and technology while also adding that Mhaje Ghar Yojana is a significant step in providing stability and dignity to Goan families.
“This initiative is not merely a welfare scheme but a transformative initiative symbolising empowerment and reform under BJP governance. From tomorrow, several Goan families who were caught in 11 different types of legal issues over their houses will finally be able to say, ‘this is our house’. This initiative will bring stability to nearly half of the State’s population,” Shah said, in the presence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, MoS Shripad Naik, MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade and cabinet ministers.
Shah commended Sawant for swiftly introducing legislation to regularise anomalies and protect unauthorised houses, after High Court’s demolition order in March 2025.
He stated that granting ownership to those entangled in legal disputes would ordinarily require more than ten different laws, but the Goa government addressed this in just one legislation.
“I want to congratulate CM Sawant that with just one legislation, his government has enabled 10 lakh people to become rightful house owners. BJP government has made this possible,” Shah said.
Attributing such people-centric initiatives to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Shah said, “Modi has taught us to meet people, understand their problems, find legal ways to resolve them, and bring bold laws to secure their rights. That is what the BJP is doing across India.” He added that those who lacked even basic facilities across India under previous Congress governments are now enjoying these essential rights.
Sawant announced that the process of granting home ownership to eligible families under the Yojana will be completed within six months.
Shah also added that Swayampurna Goa is a major initiative of the Government of Goa while urging Sawant to continue this programme. “New government schemes are constantly emerging, and through Swayampurna Goa, we must tirelessly resolve the problems of our citizens. We should strive to make Goa the first fully developed State in the country in the coming days,” the union minister added.
Shah also laid the foundation stone for seven NBCC projects, including the redevelopment of Junta House, Government Garage, Prashasan Stambh, and a new Circuit House. In addition, four tourism projects were launched ” Unity Mall, Town Square, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Fort, and the upgradation of Harvalem Waterfall.
He inaugurated the new Goa Dental College building, the Smart City Stadium at DB Ground in Panaji, and E-Witness Rooms in North and South Goa; flagged off four Forensic Science vans and released a book marking five years of the Swayampurna Goa initiative.
NEW BEGINNINGS: Union Home Minister Amit Shah presents a sanad to an elderly woman during the launch of Mhaje Ghar Yojana at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Taleigao on Saturday. Narayan Pissurlenkar
Shah bats for swadeshi products
Hailing the Central government’s GST 2.0, Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged people to promote Indian-made goods this Diwali. “As urged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this Diwali, let us take a pledge to shun all foreign goods and bring home only those made in India. The biggest thing is to give impetus to our economy, to promote Make in India and to encourage people from all over the world to do business in India,” he said.
Kharge in line of fire over Goa comment
Taking a swipe at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for calling Goa a small State, Shah said the remark belittled Goans only because BJP continues to win their mandate.
“Kharge says Goa is a small State. I say, whether big or small, every person living here is an Indian citizen. Goa is a bindi on India’s forehead,” he remarked.
He stated Goa operates the highest number of electric buses in the country, has over 650 registered startups and that the Rajya Sabha in August passed a Bill granting reservation to Scheduled Tribes in the Goa Assembly.
