Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s recent statement regarding the regularization of houses across Goa has sparked a wave of mixed reactions from citizens and civil society members.
While some have welcomed the move as a relief for long-standing homeowners, others fear it may open the door to misuse and benefit outsiders.
The Chief Minister indicated that the government is considering a policy to regularize houses constructed on Comunidade and government land, particularly those built before a cut-off date yet to be finalized. The initiative, aimed at addressing long-pending issues related to land ownership and occupancy rights, has quickly become a topic of heated debate.
Civil rights activist Roque Pereira expressed concerns about the lack of clarity in the proposal.
“If the process isn’t transparent and strictly monitored, outsiders could exploit it. People who never lived here or have encroached recently might end up getting legal ownership, while genuine locals still struggle for their rights,” he said.
However, Joao Souza, a senior citizen from Curtorim, supported the Chief Minister’s intention. “There are families who’ve been living in their homes for generations but still lack legal papers. If this helps them secure their property rights, it’s a step in the right direction,” he remarked.
Ritesh Naik, a youth leader and legal practitioner from Vasco, offered a measured viewpoint. “The idea is commendable—many Goans have waited for decades for such a decision. But the implementation must be watertight. A fair verification mechanism, clear eligibility criteria, and legal safeguards must be put in place to prevent misuse,” he emphasized.
The government is expected to table a draft of the proposed policy during the upcoming Assembly session. Several citizen groups and opposition leaders have already called for a public consultation process before any legislation is finalised.