The Goa government has introduced a policy framework aimed at resolving long-standing issues surrounding residential plots allotted under the 20-Point Programme scheme. The decision, cleared by the state cabinet in August and formalised through a revenue department circular, empowers district collectors to issue Class I sanads directly, marking a significant administrative shift.
For decades, beneficiaries of the 20-Point Programme, a scheme designed to provide land to weaker sections of society, have faced procedural hurdles in obtaining clearances for construction, repairs, and financial assistance. These difficulties arose because the plots were originally allotted under Occupants Class II status in accordance with Section 21 of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968. The tenure restricted transfer rights and limited access to institutional finance, leading to repeated complaints from allottees.
Under the new framework, district collectors of North and South Goa can now grant Class I sanads without seeking cabinet approval, even in cases where the land value exceeds ₹50,000. This decentralisation is expected to speed up regularisation and provide legal certainty to thousands of households.
The revenue department’s notification also links the initiative to Section 37B of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968, ensuring that the grants, once regularised, enjoy full legal backing. Beneficiaries may also approach deputy collectors for regularisation of structures under the Goa Regularisation of Unauthorised Construction Act, 2016.
Three-Category Classification
The policy categorises the 20-Point Programme plots into three groups:
Category A: Plots where allottees have constructed dwelling houses in line with the grant conditions and are residing there with families or legal heirs. These will be converted to Class I occupancy. Sanads will be issued subject to compliance with allotment terms and payment of a premium equivalent to one-twentieth of the fair market value or the minimum notified land rate under the Goa Stamp (Determination of True Market Value of Property) Rules, 2003.
Category B: Plots that remain vacant and unused. Such land will revert to the government, with collectors authorised to take possession.
Category C: Plots where possession has been transferred to third parties in an unauthorised manner, many of whom have since built houses and are residing there. As a one-time measure, the government will regularise these cases by granting Class I occupancy, subject to payment of the same premium as in Category A plus a penalty equal to that premium.
This structured classification is designed to address both genuine beneficiaries and irregular transfers that have occurred over the years.
Judicial Context and Policy Rationale
The decision comes against the backdrop of judicial scrutiny. In April 2025, the Bombay High Court ordered a probe into misuse of plots under the programme, including illegal constructions and commercial use. The court’s intervention underscored the need for a transparent, rule-based resolution mechanism.
By adopting this framework, the government seeks to balance two priorities: safeguarding the rights of original beneficiaries while curbing unauthorised dealings that undermine the intent of the scheme.
The regularisation of 20-Point Programme plots through Class I sanads is expected to provide multiple benefits for households and the administration alike. For beneficiaries, the move ensures clear legal ownership, which will improve access to housing finance and make it easier to secure loans. It will also simplify the approval process for repairs and renovations, while offering long-term security to families residing on the allotted land. From an administrative perspective, the framework reduces repetitive cabinet-level approvals by vesting authority with district collectors for faster and time-bound implementation. At the same time, the policy seeks to discourage misuse of welfare-linked land by mandating the reversion of vacant plots and imposing penalties for unauthorised transfers, thereby strengthening governance and accountability.
The circular directs both district collectors to implement the policy with immediate effect. Revenue officials expect the process to unfold in phases, beginning with identification of plots under each category. Beneficiaries will be required to submit applications and complete procedural formalities for sanad issuance.
The move is being closely watched by housing rights groups and financial institutions, which see potential for improved credit flow once ownership issues are clarified. For many families, particularly those from weaker sections, the decision may resolve uncertainties that have persisted for decades.
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