Goa Cabinet Approves Amendment to Curb Misuse of Comunidade Land

The Goa Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, approved an amendment to the Goa Legislative Diploma No. 2070 to curb the misuse of Comunidade land. The new Article 31-A grants the Administrator power to revert land misused for purposes other than originally granted.

The Goa Cabinet, under Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, has sanctioned an amendment to Goa Legislative Diploma No. 2070, dated April 15, 1961, aimed at limiting the misuse of Comunidade land allocated for explicit purposes.

The amendment introduces a new Article 31-A, empowering the Administrator of Comunidades to investigate instances where land granted for specific purposes is misused. Upon detecting unauthorized use, the Administrator will issue a show cause notice, allowing the current holder to explain their position. Following an inquiry and review of all submissions, the Administrator can order the reversion of the land back to the Comunidade with government approval.

The amendment also authorizes the Administrator to issue restraining orders during inquiries to prevent further misuse. Once such an order is in place, no permission or clearance will be granted by any authority, including the Town and Country Planning Department and Municipal Councils. This step underscores the government's commitment to preserving Comunidade land.

(With inputs from agencies.)