MARGAO
In a significant move, the State government has ordered a strict crackdown and enhanced surveillance of government and comunidade land to prevent fresh encroachments, making it clear that the Majhe Ghar Yojana is a one-time welfare measure and not a licence for new illegal occupations.
To ensure strict enforcement, Collectors have been directed to constitute flying squads in each taluka, under the chairpersonship of the Deputy Collector or Sub-Divisional Magistrate.
The flying squads will remain operational round-the-clock, including Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, and will maintain constant surveillance over government and comunidade land.
Clarifying the scope of the scheme, the government stated that the Majhe Ghar Yojana is intended solely to provide legal recognition and security of tenure to long-standing dwelling houses constructed unauthorisedly on government or comunidade land by economically weaker sections prior to February 28, 2014.
In a recent circular, the government asserted that the scope of Section 38A of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968, and Article 372-B of the Goa Legislative Diploma No. 2070 dated April 15, 1961, is limited and clearly defined, and does not extend to any structures or encroachments made after the cut-off date.
No tolerance for
fresh encroachments
The circular has categorically instructed authorities empowered under Notification No. 40/1/2013-RD dated September 30, 2013, to ensure that no fresh encroachments are permitted on government or comunidade land.
“All fresh encroachments shall be dealt with immediately and stringently. Authorities shall maintain constant vigilance to ensure that no new encroachments arise,” the circular stated.
Only dwelling houses that strictly fall within the ambit of the relevant legal provisions will be eligible for protection under the Majhe Ghar Yojana, it added, while calling for effective enforcement to safeguard government and comunidade interests.
Accountability of officials
The government has warned that any failure on the part of officers entrusted with protecting Government or Comunidade land within their jurisdiction will be viewed seriously. Officials who fail to prevent encroachments or take timely action during their tenure will face appropriate disciplinary action.
More specifically, the circular states that Panchayat Secretaries, Mamlatdars, Block Development Officers, Chief Officers of Municipal Councils, and Police Inspectors, who are duty-bound to prevent illegal construction or development, will be held personally accountable for lapses.
Public participation via
WhatsApp complaints
The government has also directed that a dedicated WhatsApp number be set up for the public to report encroachments. The number will be given wide publicity, and flying squads have been instructed to act immediately on all complaints, ensuring that illegal activities are stopped forthwith.
