MLA Ulhas Tuenkar on Monday raised concerns over the Goa Housing Board’s auction process, urging the government to temporarily halt land auctions, citing that the high prices are unaffordable for Goans and are instead attracting outsiders.
Speaking in the Assembly, Tuenkar emphasized that the current system fails to serve its intended purpose of housing for locals. “The common Goan cannot compete with wealthy buyers from outside. This defeats the objective of the Goa Housing Board,” he said.
Responding to the issue, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant acknowledged the concern and clarified that a 30-year residence certificate is mandatory for eligibility to purchase Goa Housing Board plots — a policy intended to ensure that only Goans benefit.
However, the Chief Minister also admitted that the auction model may need policy-level amendments, noting that the current system tends to favour the rich over the common man. “We are open to reviewing and amending the policy to ensure it truly benefits Goans,” Sawant assured the House.
The issue has sparked wider debate over affordable housing and land accessibility for locals, with calls for transparent, need-based allocation mechanisms instead of competitive auctions.