Daijiworld Media Network – Taleigao
Taleigao, Oct 5: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday lauded the Goa government’s rapid development, saying the State is on track to become fully developed by 2035–36, well ahead of India’s 2047 vision for a ‘Vikasit Bharat’.
Addressing a public gathering at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium during the launch of the Mhaje Ghar Yojana, Shah highlighted Goa’s progress in infrastructure, human development, and technology, while noting that the scheme is a milestone in providing stability and dignity to Goan families.
“This initiative is not merely a welfare scheme but a transformative programme symbolising empowerment and reform under BJP governance. From tomorrow, many Goan families entangled in legal disputes over their houses will finally be able to say, ‘this is our house’. This will bring stability to nearly half of the State’s population,” Shah said, in the presence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, MoS Shripad Naik, MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, and cabinet ministers.
Shah commended Sawant for swiftly introducing legislation to regularise unauthorised houses, following the High Court’s demolition order in March 2025. “Granting ownership to those caught in legal disputes would normally require over ten laws, but Goa has addressed this in a single legislation. Ten lakh people are now rightful house owners,” he added.
Attributing people-centric initiatives to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Shah said, “Modi has taught us to meet people, understand their problems, find legal ways to resolve them, and bring bold laws to secure their rights. That is what the BJP is doing across India.”
Chief Minister Sawant announced that the home ownership process under Mhaje Ghar Yojana will be completed within six months. Shah also urged continuation of the Swayampurna Goa initiative, aimed at resolving citizen issues and steering the State toward becoming the first fully developed State in India.
Shah laid the foundation for seven NBCC projects, including the redevelopment of Junta House, Government Garage, Prashasan Stambh, and a new Circuit House, alongside four tourism projects — Unity Mall, Town Square, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Fort, and Harvalem Waterfall upgrade. He also inaugurated the new Goa Dental College building, Smart City Stadium at DB Ground, and E-Witness Rooms in North and South Goa, flagged off four Forensic Science vans, and released a book marking five years of Swayampurna Goa.
Shah urged Goans to promote Indian-made products this Diwali under GST 2.0, echoing PM Modi’s call to support Make in India. “The biggest step is to boost our economy and encourage global business in India,” he said.
Taking a dig at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who had called Goa a small State, Shah said, “Whether big or small, every person here is an Indian citizen. Goa is a bindi on India’s forehead.” He also highlighted Goa’s achievements, including the highest number of electric buses in the country, over 650 registered startups, and the recent ST reservation Bill in the Goa Assembly.
NEW BEGINNINGS: Union Home Minister Amit Shah presents a sanad to an elderly woman during the launch of Mhaje Ghar Yojana at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Taleigao on Saturday. Narayan Pissurlenkar.