More than 1,000 mutation, mundkar and tenancy-related cases are pending across South Goa’s Mamlatdar offices, causing major inconvenience to the public and prompting demands for urgent government action. Citizens say the delays are affecting property transactions, loans, subsidies and the timely updating of ownership records.
Sources said that despite earlier directions from the South Goa Collector to hold special courts to clear the backlog, there has been little improvement. Several litigants said that some mutation files in Salcete have been pending for over a year, delaying sale deeds and prolonging basic procedures.
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The South Goa Advocates Association, led by President Adv. Prasad Naik, has raised serious concerns over what it calls systemic delays and malpractices. The association has demanded strict implementation of the Goa (Right of Citizens to Time-Bound Delivery of Public Services) Act, 2013, transparency in processing applications, prioritisation of cases pending for more than 30 days, and mandatory written reasons for any delay. The association has also sought action against unauthorised agents allegedly operating within the system.
Adv. Naik said the mutation process is often handled in a “discriminatory” manner, with a few cases cleared on the same day while most remain pending for months. He also alleged that private agents inside the Collectorate can fast-track files for a fee.
Highlighting similar concerns, Adv. Vidhata Rajesh Dessai said residents continue to face delays in mutation, partition and permission-related matters. She called for sweeping administrative reforms, arguing that “every delayed file means a delayed right.” She said that despite claims of digital progress, citizens still have to make repeated visits for work that should take minutes.
Adv. Dessai proposed a series of reforms: clear deadlines with officer accountability, online file-tracking, performance-based evaluations, anonymous complaint channels, strict action against bribery, and regular ethics training for staff. She added that many files move only when “tips” or personal favours are offered, reflecting a loss of public faith in the system.
Adv. Pallavi Gawas also noted that the ground reality has not changed despite government assurances. She said the public and advocates must frequently visit Mamlatdar offices to push pending files, while the same applications move quickly when routed through certain agents.
A resident, Peter (full name withheld), said his mutation application filed in June has been pending for months. He said such delays lead to outdated ownership records, create hurdles in resale or loan procedures, and can complicate legal disputes, especially if courts view the delay as unreasonable.
