This refers to construction licences and occupancy certificates under the 2025 amendments to the Goa Panchayat Raj Act. The provision that grants “deemed approval” if a panchayat fails to respond within 15 days raises serious concerns. How is this fair to the people of Goa? Panchayats typically meet only once every 15 days, while citizens rely on RTI processes that take up to 30 days to access information. In such circumstances, how can either elected representatives or ordinary residents properly review, question, or investigate proposed developments within such an unrealistic timeframe? The situation is worsened by the lack of transparency. Many panchayats, including Colva, fail to regularly update their websites, depriving citizens of timely information. If the government is committed to fairness and public participation, why is equal urgency not shown in ensuring daily updates and access to records? This amendment appears to disproportionately benefit real estate developers at the cost of local communities. Cases like Navelim highlight a growing pattern affecting villages across Goa. Goans must demand the immediate withdrawal of this flawed 15-day deemed approval clause.
