Daijiworld Media Network - Porvorim
Porvorim, Jan 23: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said that the state government will announce a new housing scheme for the lower income group (LIG) in the ensuing budget, with the aim of ensuring affordable housing for every Goan.
He was speaking after inaugurating the renovated head office of the Goa Housing Board (GHB) at Porvorim, in the presence of GHB chairman and Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar, GHB managing director Neetal Amonkar and others.
“The main objective of the Goa Housing Board is to provide affordable houses and residential plots to the people of Goa at reasonable rates, especially to the economically weaker sections. A house is not a luxury but a basic need of every individual,” Sawant said.
The chief minister said that as per the new GHB rules, flats and residential plots can be purchased only by Goans who have been residing in the state for the last 30 years. He added that 30 per cent of flats and residential plots are reserved for local residents of the municipal or panchayat area where the housing complex or residential plots are developed.
“Every Goan must get a house at a reasonable rate. A new housing scheme for the lower income group will be announced in the upcoming budget,” Sawant reiterated.
He further said that the GHB head office has been renovated to provide a better working environment for staff and to enhance efficiency.
Speaking on the ‘Mhaje Ghar’ scheme, Sawant said it has received an overwhelming response from the public, with over one lakh application forms distributed so far. He acknowledged that applicants are currently facing difficulties in obtaining residential certificates due to Mamlatdars and subordinate staff being engaged in SIR-related work.
“Once the SIR work is completed, Mamlatdars will be free and residential certificates will be issued without delay,” he assured.
GHB chairman Jit Arolkar said the head office renovation was necessary as people from across Goa visit the office regularly for various services.
Referring to shops in the new market complex, Arolkar said that out of the total 40 shops, several have already been allotted to shop owners from the old market complex. “Six shops were recently auctioned, while 20 shops are still vacant,” he added.