The Goa government’s policy of legalising illegal houses must be stopped immediately, or it will become a long-term threat. Setting 1972 as the cutoff year raises serious concerns”what’s to stop future governments from extending it to 1983, 1993, and beyond? Will this policy truly benefit Goans, or will it encourage more settlers to build illegally and gain legitimacy over time?
Many who arrived after Goa's Liberation in 1961 may have built homes illegally before 1972. How then can the government confidently claim that "one lakh Goans" will benefit? This appears less about justice and more about political gain. It’s no secret that some MLAs and ministers have long tried to push such measures to secure votes.
Legalising encroachments rewards lawbreakers and undermines governance. If housing is to be provided, it should be through a legal, structured policy specifically for ethnic Goans”those whose roots in the state trace back to before Liberation. This must involve proper land acquisition and transparent procedures, not chaotic regularisation of illegal structures.
The Supreme Court has consistently ruled against legalising illegalities. Let’s hope this ill-conceived and dangerous move by the Goa government is struck down before it causes irreversible damage.
