The Goa Housing Board has initiated amendments to the rules and procedures regarding the allotment of housing plots through auction. A significant change in the rules mandates that the board must determine the minimum price for a plot based on the minimum land prices set by the revenue department.

The allotment committee has been replaced by a scrutiny committee, which is required to complete the review process for all applications within 30 days. These new regulations are part of the adjustments to the Goa Housing Board (Registration, Allotment, and Sale of Plots) Rules.

In a notification, the Goa Housing Board stated that it would fix the minimum price per square meter of a plot, including the minimum price for the auction category, considering the rates established by the revenue department for specific land. This assessment would also account for the development charges associated with the land in determining the plot price. The price per square meter will be deemed final and binding on the allottee.

Previously, the board was responsible for determining plot prices. The government aims to address revenue leakages and ensure the accurate valuation of land transactions within the state. Concurrently, the revenue department has sought to raise minimum land rates for Salcete, Tiswadi, and Mormugao, while minimum rates for Pernem and Bardez have already seen an increase.

A notification issued by Amalia Pinto, the joint secretary of housing, mentioned that the draft rules would be reviewed by the government after a 15-day period following the publication of the notification.

Under the new norms, the successful allottee is required to pay the full amount within 90 days of receiving the allotment order, an increase from the previous 20-day deadline. If the full payment is not made, 5% of the initial deposit will be forfeited, whereas the earlier rule involved forfeiting 15% of the initial deposit.