The Goa government has taken a decisive step toward addressing long-standing housing issues by introducing a significant amendment to the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968. The proposed addition, Section 38A, has been tabled in the Legislative Assembly and is expected to be passed shortly. It seeks to regularise unauthorised dwelling houses built on government land before February 28, 2014.
Under this new provision, structures constructed without official approval but before the cut-off date may be granted legal status, provided they meet specific conditions. Only homes built on plots up to 400 square metres are eligible. The responsibility for approving such regularisation lies with the Deputy Collector, who will act upon applications submitted along with payment of an amount notified by the government. Once verified and approved, the structures will be deemed legal, giving occupants long-awaited security of tenure and access to public utilities.
The move is expected to benefit thousands of residents across the state who have lived for years in uncertainty, without legal recognition of their homes. The government has argued that this step is necessary to bring clarity and dignity to those who have been residing in such structures for decades, often due to socio-economic compulsions.
However, the proposal has also drawn criticism. Urban planners, community groups, and opposition leaders warn that repeated regularisation measures risk encouraging illegal encroachments in the future. There are concerns that these policies may weaken public trust in land-use laws and compromise planned urban development.
The amendment is part of a broader effort by the state to tackle informal housing issues, including separate schemes for houses built before 1972. Notably, Section 38A applies only to government land—not to comunidade or private holdings.
If enacted, it will mark one of Goa’s most sweeping attempts to resolve the legal limbo faced by thousands of households.