The Goa Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is a blatant act of deceit by the Goa Government, particularly Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho and Chief Minister. In the Assembly, the Panchayat Minister earlier claimed that villages should decide their own fate. Yet, this bill contradicts that statement entirely.
As highlighted by Tahir Noronha, a noted Goan architect and activist, key sections undermine local governance: (A) Section 47-B – Execution of higher authority orders (B) Section 66(2) – Granting construction licenses (C) Section 66(2E) – Granting occupancy (D) Section 72(2A) – Trade licenses.
The core concerns are review time of 7–15 days is too short for proper scrutiny; Automatic approvals allow developers to bypass corrections; Gram Sabhas already sidelined; now Panchayats lose decision-making power; Arbitrary timelines violate Article 14 of the Constitution.
With villagers opposing destructive multi-dwelling projects, this bill appears designed to silence resistance and ease real estate takeovers. It raises strong suspicion of minister–developer collusion. Villages must oppose this draconian bill, and the media must expose its dangers for public awareness.
