The Goa Revenue Minister has admitted that there is tardiness in the processing of conversion of land cases since reports from TCP and Forest Departments to the Collector are delayed even though the points to be checked by these departments are limited. Therefore he has assured to amend the relevant rules empowering the Collector to proceed with the process if the said reports are not received by him within the given time of 20 days. In this regard it should be noted that where the applications for conversion of land are accompanied by a Zoning certificate from the TCP certifying the land to be in settlement zone, then inspection and report of TCP are not required. Therefore, forwarding of Zoning certificate of TCP along with the applications should be made compulsory which will save much time and effort.
Further, the delay in the reports of Forest department is mainly due to organizational structure of the department and delegation of powers. At present, these reports are given by the Dy Conservator of Forests Ponda even though the land may be in Pernem. The files are to be submitted to him who in turn directs the Range Forest Officer Panaji to inspect the land and submit the report to him. Only then does he send his report to the Collector. If the powers to give the said report are delegated to the respective Range Forest Officer, the procedure would be simplified and much time and effort saved. Therefore, the government should also review the existing procedures and shorten them wherever there is scope.
