In Goa, the government is working on laws and schemes to provide housing benefits and regularise unauthorised constructions. These include the “Majhe Ghar” scheme to legalise existing homes and new laws to prevent future illegalities. However, the public is still waiting for application forms. I applied online with an RTI request, but the officer replied the application was unclear and asked me to visit the department. I had asked for prescribed forms under RTI to be given to the public but received an avoidable answer. Regularisation of unauthorised constructions is a key scheme for poor people, protecting their shelters. The “Majhe Ghar” scheme aims to regularise over 50,000 existing houses. The government also plans to legalise over one lakh houses built before 1972. A recent bill also seeks to regularise homes on Comunidade and government land. The Goa Housing Board offers housing projects, but genuine needy people are deprived. Awareness is lacking. Whose duty is this?
