5,000 occupancy sanads to be issued under 20-point scheme

Panaji: The state cabinet on Wednesday granted approval to issue occupancy sanads to over 5,000 occupants of the plots allotted under the 20-Point Programme. As for allottees who failed to construct any residential dwelling within the stipulated time, and the plots remain vacant, govt may consider reverting all such plots.It will direct both district collectors to identify these vacant plots, issue reversion orders, and take possession.In the monsoon session of the assembly in 2024, a resolution was moved in the House by MLAs regarding the regularisation of houses constructed without prior permission on the plots allotted under the 20-Point Programme.The chief minister and the revenue minister assured the House that the proposal would be examined on legal parameters and regularisation would be considered in due course.Under govt’s 20-Point Programme, plots were provided for settlement to economically weaker sections of society. However, since the status of Occupant Class II does not confer ownership, the allottees remain without the title, and the ownership of the land continues to vest with govt, limiting beneficiaries’ legal and developmental rights.One of the primary reasons necessitating this policy is the hardship caused to the beneficiaries in carrying out renovations, obtaining permissions from govt departments, obtaining loans from banks, or securing essential public services.

The total plots allotted under the 20-Point Programme in Goa are 5,179. State govt has classified the plots into three categories.Category A comprises allottees who have constructed a dwelling according to the grant conditions and are residing there with their families or legal heirs as of the current date.Category B comprises plots that have remained vacant and unutilised, where the allottees have either not taken possession or have not constructed any house.Category C covers plots where the allottees have unauthorisedly transferred possession to third parties, who have constructed a dwelling and are residing in these houses on the plots. No reversion orders have been passed, and the third parties remain in unauthorised occupation.Govt will consider granting them occupancy status upon the payment of a premium of 1/20th of the market value/minimum land rate as notified by govt.