Residents of Calangute Village have requested the Panchayat to reconsider and refrain from mandating undertakings from local residents or voters as a pre-condition for the renewal of trade licenses for cottage industries, particularly guest houses and similar small-scale hospitality establishments. People believe that this requirement is unnecessary, burdensome, and not mandated under the Goa Panchayat Raj Act or related licensing rules. Such undertakings lack legal mandate. This practice can create scope for personal biases, local politics, and arbitrary objections, potentially undermining the rights of lawful business owners. Small guest houses and home-stays are vital to Calangute’s local economy, supporting livelihoods and sustaining tourism. Unwarranted bureaucratic hurdles discourage legitimate entrepreneurs. The Government of Goa and central authorities are actively promoting ease of doing business. Requirements like these contradict those initiatives. People of Calangute urge the Panchayat to immediately discontinue the requirement of obtaining undertakings for the renewal of trade licences for legitimate cottage industries, unless specifically warranted by a legal complaint or zoning violation. The panchayat must issue clear guidelines in line with statutory norms to avoid ambiguity or harassment of local entrepreneurs.
