The Calangute Village Gram Sabha, at its meeting on 17 August 2025, unanimously resolved to maintain the status quo on any proposed revision of house tax for both residential and commercial buildings until a fresh, village-wide assessment is carried out under Section 17 of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994. The last assessment for Calangute Village was done in 2000.
Notification No. 26/DP/PAN/Schedule-III/Rules/2021/766, issued by the Director of Panchayats on 17 February 2022, sets revised tax rates to reflect updated property values and infrastructure use. These rates apply to residential buildings based on plinth area, type of construction and location, and to commercial buildings based on type of activity and built-up area. The revised rates came into effect on 17 February 2022. However, this notification does not explicitly allow revision of house tax for buildings constructed before it came into force, and it does not clearly repeal or override Notification No. 5/DP/TAX FEES/1996 dated 26 December 1997.
A growing concern also needs attention. Several rent-back and villa establishments inside gated complexes appear to be operating as commercial enterprises while still claiming residential status for house tax and utility tariffs. Many of these establishments are reportedly not paying trade licence fees. This creates an uneven playing field and unfairly affects those who follow the rules and contribute to the Panchayat’s revenue. I request the Panchayat to take note of these issues and act in the interest of fairness, transparency and proper governance.
