SUPPLEMENT

Goa Legislature Secretariat

The following bill which was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa on 13th

January, 2026 is hereby published for general information in pursuance of Rule-138 of the Rules of

Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

________

The Goa (Mopa Airport Development Authority) (Amendment) Bill, 2026

(Bill No. 3 of 2026)

BILL

further to amend the Goa (Mopa Airport Development Authority) Act, 2018 (Goa Act 10 of 2018).

1. Short title and commencement.— (1) This Act may be called the Goa (Mopa Airport Development

Authority) (Amendment) Act, 2026.

(2) It shall come into force at once.

2. Amendment of Section 8.— In the Goa (Mopa Airport Development Authority) Act, 2018 (Goa Act

10 of 2018), in Section 8, for sub-section (1B), the following sub-section shall be substituted, namely:—

“(1B) The Authority may appoint it’s staff either on contract, regular basis, or deputation, on such

terms and conditions as it may specify, for its smooth functioning, the expenditure on which shall be met

by the Authority from its own funds.”

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The Bill seeks to substitute sub-section (1B) of Section 8 of the Goa (Mopa Airport Development

Authority) Act, 2018 (Goa Act 10 of 2018) so as to ensure adequate staffing of Mopa Airport Development

Authority and to enable recruitment of suitably qualified personnel in the timely manner.

LA/LEGN/2026/3372

Suggestions are welcomed on e-mail: [email protected]

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SERIES I No. 43

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

No financial implications are involved in this Bill on the part of the Government.

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

No delegated legislation is envisaged in this Bill.

Place: Porvorim-Goa.

January, 2026.

DR. PRAMOD SAWANT

Chief Minister/Minister for Civil Aviation.

Assembly Hall,

Porvorim, Goa.

January, 2026.

NAMRATA ULMAN

Secretary to the

Legislative Assembly of Goa.

———♦———

The following bill which was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa on 13th

January, 2026 is hereby published for general information in pursuance of Rule-138 of the Rules of

Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

________

The GIM University Bill, 2026

(Bill No. 4 of 2026)

BILL

to establish a private university in the State of Goa to promote, conceptualise, and bring about a paradigm

shift through the development of outstanding leadership, research, knowledge, and ideas for the

education and allied development sectors.

Whereas, Goa Institute of Management (GIM) is a premier business school in India, more particularly

in the State of Goa, dedicated to nurturing the responsible and ethical leaders through excellence in

business management education, research and industry engagement since 1993;

And whereas GIM is known for its rigorous academic programs, vibrant campus culture and

commitment to sustainability and social impact and has consistently ranked among the top 50 institutions

in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), with 33rd-37th rank in the Management category

in the last 4 years, contributing substantively to the higher education ecosystem in the State of Goa;

And whereas it is expedient to transition the Goa Institute of Management, an Institute of Eminence,

into a full-fledged Private University in the State of Goa for imparting higher quality and industry-relevant

higher education for the aspirants in Goa and India, and to regulate their functions and matters connected

therewith or incidental thereto.

BE it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Goa in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as

follows:—

CHAPTER I - PRELIMINARY

1. Short title and commencement.— (1) This Act may be called the GIM University Act, 2026.

LA/LEGN/2026/3373

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(2) It shall come into force on such date as the Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,

appoint.

2. Definitions.— In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(a) “Academic Council” means the Academic Council of the University;

(b) “AICTE” means the All India Council for Technical Education established under Section 3 of the

All India Council for Technical Education Act, 1987 (Central Act 52 of 1987);

of the University;

(d) “Chancellor”, “Vice-Chancellor” and “Pro-Vice-Chancellor” mean respectively the Chancellor,

the Vice-Chancellor and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University;

(e) “Dean” means a Dean of the constituent unit of the University;

(f) “Employee” means any person appointed by the University and includes a teacher or any other

member of the staff of the University;

(g) “Executive Council” means the Executive Council of the University;

(h) “Government” means the Government of Goa;

(i) “Governing Body” means the Governing Body of the University;

(j) “Hostel” means a place of residence for Scholars/Students of the University;

(k) “Institute” means the Goa Institute of Management;

(l) “Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)” means Post Graduate Diploma in

Management and includes Post Graduate Diploma in Management in Health Care Management, Post

Graduate Diploma in Management in Big Data Analytics, Post Graduate Diploma in Management in

Banking, Insurance & Financial Services, Post Graduate Diploma in Management in International Dual

Degree in Analytics, and Hybrid Post Graduate Diploma in Management;

(m) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;

(n) “Registrar”, “Dean/Deans of School/s”, “Chief Finance Officer” and “Controller of

Examinations” means respectively, the Registrar, the Dean/Deans of School/s, the Chief Finance Officer

and the Controller of Examinations of the University;

(o) “Regulatory Body” means the statutory bodies established by the Central Government from time

to time, such as the University Grants Commission, and includes the All-India Council for Technical

Education, the Bar Council of India, the Distance Education Council, the Dental Council of India, the

Indian Nursing Council, the National Council for Teacher Education, Central Council for Indian

Medicine and the Pharmacy Council of India;

(p) “Regulatory Authority” means the Regulatory Authority appointed by the Government;

(q) “School” means a constituent unit of the University;

(r) “Society” means the Goa Institute of Management Society registered under the Societies

Registration Act, 1860 (Central Act No. 21 of 1860), which is the sponsoring body of the University;

(s) “State” means the State of Goa;

(t) “Statutes”, “Ordinances”, “Regulations”, and “Rules” mean respectively the Statutes, the

Ordinances, the Regulations, and the Rules of the University;

(u) “Student” means a student enrolled in the register of the University;

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(v) “Study Centre” means a Centre established, maintained or recognised by the University for the

purpose of advising, counselling or rendering any other assistance required by the students, used in the

context of distance education;

(w) “teacher” means a Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, and such other person as

may be appointed for imparting education, instructions, or conducting research in the University;

(x) “UGC” means the University Grants Commission established under the University Grants

Commission Act, 1956 (Central Act No. 3 of 1956);

(y) “University” means the GIM University established under this Act.

CHAPTER II–ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY

3. Proposal for the establishment of University.— (1) The proposal to establish a University shall be

made to the Government by the Society with the initial payment of fee of Rs. 5,00,000/- (Rupees five lakhs

only).

(2) The project report must contain the following particulars, namely:—

(a) the details of the Society along with the copies of its registration certificate and bye-laws;

(b) the information regarding financial resources of the Society along with audited accounts for the

past three years;

(d) the objectives of the University;

(e) the availability of land and details of buildings and infrastructure facilities, owned or proposed to

be owned or created as required;

(f) availability of academic facilities, including teaching and non-teaching staff, if any, at the disposal

of the Society;

(g) the nature and the type of programmes of study and research proposed to be undertaken by the

University and their relevance to the development goals and employment needs of the State and phasing

of such programmes over the first five years, with course-wise enrolment targets;

(h) the nature of facilities, courses of study and research proposed to be started;

(i) the experience and expertise in the concerned disciplines at the command of the Society;

(j) the details of plans for campus development, such as construction of buildings, development of

structural amenities and infrastructure facilities and procurement of equipment, etc., to be undertaken

before the University starts functioning and phased programme for the first five years;

(k) the phased outlays of capital expenditure proposed for the next five years and its sources of

finance;

(l) the scheme for mobilising resources and the cost of capital thereto and the manner of repayment

to such sources;

(m) the scheme for the generation of funds;

(n) the system proposed to be followed for selecting students for admission to the courses of study at

the University;

(o) the system proposed to be followed for the appointment of teachers and other employees in the

University;

(p) the programmes of the University proposed to be undertaken related to local needs. The nature of

specialised teaching, training or research activities to be undertaken by the University so as to fulfil this

objective;

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(q) the details of programmes, if any, the University proposes to start for the benefit of farmers,

women and industries;

(r) details of playgrounds and other facilities available or proposed to be created for games and

sports, and extracurricular activities like National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme, Rover and

Rangers, etc.;

(s) the arrangements proposed to be made for academic excellence and auditing;

(t) commitment to follow the norms of the regulatory bodies and regulatory authority;

(u) such other details as the Society may like to give;

4. Establishment of the University.— (1) The Society, for the purposes of establishing the University,

shall fulfil the following conditions under this Act, namely:—

(a) create a permanent endowment fund of at least rupees five crores;

(b) own or possess on a lease, atleast for a period of 30 years, a land not less than 50,000 (fifty

thousand) square meters or such land as per the requirement of the regulatory body, whichever is higher;

and non-consumables of at least rupees two crores in offices and laboratories in the University;

(d) appoint at least one Professor, two Associate Professors and an adequate number of Assistant

Professors, along with necessary supporting staff members in every department or discipline to be

started by the University;

(e) purchase books and periodicals worth rupees fifty lakhs in the library and also undertake to invest

upto rupees five crores for the books, periodicals, computer library networking and other library

facilities in the first three years after establishing the University;

(f) arrange the co-curricular activities, extracurricular activities, debate, competitions, quiz

programmes, sports, National Service Scheme and National Cadet Corps for the students as per the

standards of regulatory bodies;

(g) adhere to standards, conditions, norms and regulations set by the UGC, AICTE, and the other

regulatory bodies established by the Government or Central Government and as amended from time to

time, for the programmes of study leading to a degree, post-graduate degree, doctoral degree or diploma

offered by the University;

(h) ensure that the admission procedure and fixation of fees shall be in accordance with the norms or

guidelines, if any, specified by the Statutes;

(i) ensure that the teaching staff of the University shall have at least the minimum qualifications

specified by the UGC or other concerned regulatory bodies and be paid appropriate emoluments;

(j) establish the provident fund for the employees of the University and introduce other welfare

schemes;

(k) prepare the Statutes and the Ordinances for the administration and functioning of the University;

(l) ensure that any arrangements made by the University shall not differ from the provisions of the

Act and regulations of the UGC and other regulatory bodies;

(m) ensure transparent functioning of the University and put the clearances obtained from the

regulatory bodies in the public domain;

(n) comply with such other conditions as may be notified by the Government to be fulfilled before

the establishment of the University.

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(2) The Government, after considering the fulfilment of conditions specified under sub-section (1),

may, by notification in the Official Gazette, accord sanction for the establishment and commencement of

the University in the State of Goa in the name of “GIM University”.

(3) After issuance of notification under sub-section (2), the Society shall deposit fee of Rs. 30,00,000/-

(Rupees thirty lakhs only) within a period of one month from the date of such notification which shall be

non-refundable.

(4) The University shall have its registered office within the State of Goa as decided by the Society.

(5) The University shall be a legal entity having perpetual succession and a common seal with powers

to acquire, own and dispose of property and to contract by its name.

(6) The University shall sue and be sued in its name. In all suits or other legal proceedings by or against

such University, the pleadings shall be signed and verified by the Registrar. All processes in such suits and

proceedings shall be issued and served on the Registrar.

(7) No suit or legal proceeding by or against the University shall be defeated merely because the

Society has not been made a party to such suit or legal proceeding.

5. University to be self-financed.— (1) The University shall be self-financing and shall neither make a

demand nor shall be entitled to receive any maintenance, grant-in-aid or other financial assistance from the

State:

Provided that the Government may provide financial support through grants or otherwise:

(a) for research, development and other activities for which other Government or Private

organisations are providing financial assistance;

(b) for any specific research or programmes receiving support from the Government;

(d) for the benefit of similar universities in the state, whether subject to a change in state policy or

otherwise:

Provided further that the University may receive any financial support from any other source.

6. University to be non-affiliating.— (1) The University shall function as non-affiliating University and

shall not admit any college or institution to the privilege of affiliation:

Provided that nothing contained in this section shall apply to the Institute that existed prior to the

issuance of a notification under sub-section (2) of Section 4.

7. Start of operations by the University.— (1) The University shall start its operations only after the

Government issues a notification under sub-section (2) of Section 4 for the commencement of the

operations of the University:

Provided that the Institute, which existed prior to the issuance of a notification, shall continue to

function in the same manner as it functions till the date prior to the issuance of such notification.

8. Objects of the University.— (1) The objects of the University shall be the dissemination and

advancement of knowledge and skill for providing instructional, research, educational, and other extension

facilities and award degrees, diplomas and certificates or any qualifications in such branches of learning as

it may deem fit in the view of the University.

(2) The University shall endeavour to provide students and teachers with the necessary atmosphere and

facilities for the promotion of:—

(i) innovations in education leading to restructuring of courses, new methods of teaching, training,

and learning, including online learning, blended learning, etc.;

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(ii) studies in various disciplines offering degree programmes, master's programmes, doctoral

programmes, and other diploma and certification programmes;

(iii) inter-disciplinary studies and multi-disciplinary studies in any subject that is of interest;

(iv) national integration, secularism, social equality, and inculcation of international understanding

and ethics;

(v) teacher education, executive education, and other continuing education programmes for various

sections of society and industry;

(vi) research and consultancy to industry, public and Government organisations;

(vii) arrangement for national and global participation, collaboration, conferences for faculty,

students, etc.;

(viii) set up of campuses, centres, study centres, and examination centres within the State of Goa

subject to permission of the appropriate regulatory bodies under appropriate rules and regulations;

(ix) set up of centers of excellence for research and development and for sharing knowledge and its

applications.

(3) The University shall,—

(i) establish the main campus and other campuses, infrastructure in the State of Goa necessary for the

furtherance of its objects;

(ii) disseminate advanced knowledge by providing academic and research facilities in such branches

of learning, which include Management, Humanities, Social Sciences, Economics, Development and

Sustainability, Commerce, Data Analytics, Law, Architecture, Media, Mathematics and Statistics, Music,

and Art, Teacher Education and Training, Engineering and Technology, Medical Science and Genetics,

Artificial Intelligence and in other fields as it may deem fit;

(iii) establish the Schools of the University in branches of learning as specified in clause (ii);

(iv) establish any other Schools as it may deem fit with the approval of the Governing Body and

consent of the Government;

(v) promote any other objectives as may be approved by the Government.

9. Powers of the University.— (1) Subject to other provisions of the Act and rules, orders, regulations,

guidelines and directions as may be issued, from time to time, by the Government, Central Government or

the respective regulatory body, the University shall have the following powers, namely:—

(i) to provide for instruction in such branches of learning as the University may think fit and to make

provisions for research and for the advancement and dissemination of knowledge;

(ii) to honour educational stalwarts and persons of academic eminence with the decoration of

Professor Emeritus;

(iii) to grant, subject to such conditions as the University may determine, diplomas or certificates to,

and confer degrees or other academic distinctions and qualifications on the basis of examinations,

evaluation or any other method of testing of persons, and to withdraw any such diplomas, certificates,

degrees or other academic distinctions for good and sufficient cause;

(iv) to confer honorary degrees or other distinctions in such manner as may be specified by the

statutes;

(v) to provide education and training, including correspondence courses, to such persons as it may

determine;

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(vi) to create as per UGC norms and Government regulations, the teaching posts of Director,

Principal, Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professors other teaching or academic posts required

by the University and to make appointments for the same;

(vii) to create administrative, ministerial and other posts and to make appointments thereto;

(viii) to appoint/engage persons of eminence working in any other University or organisation

permanently or for a specified period;

(ix) to co-operate, collaborate, or associate with any other University or Authority or Institution in

India and abroad in such manner and for such purpose as the University may determine;

(x) to establish and maintain schools, centers, and specialised laboratories in other units for research

and instructions as are, in the opinion of the University, necessary for the furtherance of its objects;

(xi) to institute and award fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes;

(xii) to establish, maintain, and supervise residences and hostels within the campus of the University

and promote health and general welfare activities for students and staff;

(xiii) to make provisions for research and consultancy, and for that purpose, to enter into such

arrangements with other institutions or bodies as the University may deem necessary;

(xiv) to establish a centre, an institution, a department, or school, as the case may be, in accordance

with the Statutes;

(xv) to determine standards in accordance with UGC norms/State norms for admission into the

University, which may include examination, evaluation or any other method of testing to ensure quality;

(xvi) to demand and receive payment of fees and other charges;

(xvii) to make special arrangements in respect of women and other disadvantaged students as the

University may consider desirable;

(xviii) to regulate and enforce discipline among the employees and students of the University and

take such disciplinary measures in this regard as may be deemed necessary by the University;

(xix) to make arrangements for promoting the health and general welfare of the employees of the

University;

(xx) to receive donations and to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of any property, movable or

immovable for the welfare of the University;

(xxi) to borrow, mortgage on the security of the property of the University, money for the purposes of

the University;

(xxii) to appoint either on contract or otherwise, visiting professors, emeritus professors, consultants,

fellows, scholars, artists, course writers and such other persons who may contribute to the advancement

of the objects of the University;

(xxiii) to organize and to undertake extramural studies and extension service;

(xxiv) to receive grants for conducting research and studies from Government and non-Government

sources;

(xxv) to do all such other acts and things as may be necessary, incidental or conducive to the

attainment of all or any of the objects of the University.

(xxvi) to make available funds to the Society for the purpose of setting up campuses of the University

or for setting up of institutions for the purpose of imparting education.

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10. Admissions to the University.— (1) The admission procedure to the different academic programmes

of the University shall be made in accordance with the norms and guidelines specified by the UGC or other

regulatory bodies, as the case may be, depending on the course in which students seek admission.

(2) In the absence of the guidelines under sub-section (1), admission to the University shall be made

strictly on the basis of merit.

(3) Merit for admission to the University shall be determined on the basis of marks or grades obtained

in the qualifying examination and achievements in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities or on the

basis of marks or grades obtained in the entrance test conducted at state/national/international level either

by an Association of the Universities conducting similar courses or by any agency recognised by the

state/nation.

11. Academic Standards.— (1) The University shall ensure that the academic standards of the courses

offered by the University are in accordance with the guidelines of the UGC and other regulatory bodies, as

the case may be.

(2) The teacher-student ratio shall be in accordance with the guidelines of the UGC.

(3) The academic performance of the University with respect to standards set by the UGC and other

regulatory bodies shall be periodically reviewed by a Committee of Academic Experts constituted by the

Chancellor, consisting of one Chairman and four members, including two members as nominees of the

Government.

(4) The Chairman and the other four expert members shall be from the academic field not below the

rank of Professor and from one of the specialisations run by the University.

(5) A copy of the report of the Committee of Academic Experts, along with the action taken by the

University, shall be sent to the University Grants Commission and the Government and also displayed in

the public domain.

12. University to be Open to all.— The University shall be open to all persons and shall not

discriminate on the grounds of class, caste, creed, race, language, domicile or gender, and it shall not be

lawful for the University to adopt or impose on any person any test whatsoever of his religious belief or

profession in order to entitle him to be admitted therein as an officer, a teacher, staff member, student, or to

hold any office therein or to graduate.

CHAPTER III - THE OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY

13. Officers of the University.— (1) The following shall be the Officers of the University:—

(i) the Chancellor;

(ii) the Vice-Chancellor;

(iii) the Pro Vice-Chancellor;

(iv) the Registrar;

(v) the Dean/Deans of School/s;

(vi) the Chief Finance Officer;

(vii) the Controller of Examinations; and

(viii) such other Officers as may be declared by the Statutes to be the Officers of the University.

14. Chancellor and his powers.— (1) The Chancellor shall be appointed by the Society for a period of

five years in consultation with the Government by following such procedure and on such terms and

conditions as may be specified by the University Grants Commission.

(2) The Chancellor shall be the head of the University.

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(3) The Chancellor, during his absence, may, by order in writing, designate any other person from

amongst the Governing Body to act as the Chancellor for such period and/or for such functions and

responsibilities as he may specify in that order. The person so designated shall be called the Designated

Chancellor.

(4) The Chancellor shall preside over the Convocation of the University for conferring Degrees,

Diplomas, Charters, Designations or certificates.

(5) The Chancellor shall have the following powers, namely —

(a) to call for any information or record of the University

(b) to appoint and remove the Vice-Chancellor in accordance with the provisions laid down in the

Statutes and

(6) If at any time, the continuance of the Chancellor is not in the interest of the University, the Society,

with prior approval of the Government, may by an order in writing, remove the Chancellor from his office

from such date as may be specified in the order:

Provided that before taking an action under this sub-section, the Chancellor shall be given an

opportunity to be heard.

15. The Vice–Chancellor.— (1) The Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Chancellor in

consultation with the Government as per the regulations of the University Grants Commission and shall be

subject to the provisions laid down in the Statutes.

(2) The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a period of five years:

Provided that, after the expiry of the said term of five years, a person shall be eligible for re-

appointment as Vice-Chancellor for another term of five years:

Provided further that no person shall hold the office of Vice-Chancellor beyond sixty-five years of age.

(3) If at any time, upon representation made or otherwise, and after making such inquiry, as may be

deemed necessary, the situation so warrants and if the continuance of the Vice-Chancellor is not in the

interest of the University, the Chancellor with the prior approval of the Government, may by an order in

writing, remove the Vice-Chancellor from his office from such date as may be specified in the order:

Provided that before taking an action under this sub-section, the Vice-Chancellor shall be given an

opportunity to be heard:

Provided further that the Chancellor may suspend the Vice-Chancellor pending such enquiry if the

situation so warrants.

(4) The Vice-Chancellor shall be the principal executive and academic officer of the University and

shall exercise powers of general superintendence over the University;

(5) The Vice-Chancellor, in the absence of the Chancellor, shall preside at the Convocation of the

University for conferring Degrees, Diplomas, Charters, Designation or Certificates.

(6) If, in the opinion of the Vice-Chancellor, it is necessary to take immediate action on any matter for

which powers are conferred on any other officer or authority by or under this Act, he/she may take such

action as he/she deems necessary and shall at the earliest opportunity thereafter report his/her action to

such officer or authority as would have in the ordinary course dealt with the matter:

Provided that if, in the opinion of the concerned officer or authority, such action should not have been

taken by the Vice-Chancellor, then such case shall be referred to the Chancellor within 30 days, whose

decision thereon shall be final:

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Provided further that where any such decision taken by the Chancellor is against any person in the

service of the University, such person shall be entitled to prefer, within 45 days from the date on which

such decision is communicated to him, an appeal to the Governing Body, which may confirm or modify or

reverse the decision taken by the Chancellor;

(7) The Vice-Chancellor shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be provided by the

Act, the Statutes, and the Ordinances made thereunder.

16. Pro-Vice-Chancellor.— (1) The Pro-Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Executive Council

on the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor in such manner and shall exercise such powers and perform

such functions as may be specified by the Statutes.

(2) The Pro-Vice-Chancellor appointed under sub-section (1) shall discharge his duties in addition to

his duties as a Professor.

(3) The Pro-Vice-Chancellor shall assist the Vice-Chancellor in discharging day-to-day duties as and

when required by the Vice-Chancellor.

17. The Registrar.— (1) The Registrar shall be appointed in such manner as may be specified by the

Statutes.

(2) The Registrar shall have the power to enter into agreements, sign documents and authenticate

records on behalf of the University as may be specified by the Statutes.

(3) The Registrar shall be responsible for the due custody of the records and the common seal of the

University and shall be bound to place before the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor or any other authority all

such information and documents as may be necessary for the transaction of their business.

(4) The Registrar shall be the ex officio Member-Secretary of the Executive Council and the Academic

Council.

18. The Deans of the Schools.— The Deans of Schools shall be appointed by the Vice-Chancellor in

such manner and shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be specified by the

Statutes.

19. The Chief Finance Officer.— (1) The Chief Finance Officer shall be appointed by the Governing

Body in such manner and shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be specified by

the Statutes.

(2) The Chief Finance Officer shall be the Secretary of the Finance Committee.

20. The Controller of Examinations.— (1) The Controller of Examinations shall be appointed by the

Vice-Chancellor in such manner and shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be

specified by the Statutes.

21. Other Officers.— The manner of appointment, terms and conditions of service and powers, duties

and functions of other officers of the University shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.

CHAPTER IV-AUTHORITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY

22. Authorities of the University.— The following shall be the Authorities of the University:—

1. The Governing Body;

2. The Executive Council;

3. The Academic Council;

4. The Finance Committee;

5. Such other Body, Council and Committee as may be declared by the Statutes to be the authority of

the University.

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23. The Governing Body.— (1) The Constitution of the Governing Body shall be as follows:—

(i) The Chancellor who shall be the Chairperson;

(ii) The Vice-Chancellor;

(iii) The Secretary in the Department of Education, Government of Goa;

(iv) Two academicians of the stature of Vice-Chancellor, from India or abroad, co-opted by the

Governing Body;

(vi) Four industry experts or industrialists nominated by the Chairperson of the Governing Body;

(vii) One Member from amongst the judicial officers of the State not below the rank of District Judge

nominated by the Government shall be a member of the Executive Council;

(viii) Seven representatives to be nominated by the Society;

(viii) One of the Deans of the Schools of the University without voting right;

(ix) The Chief Finance Officer of the University without voting right;

(x) The Controller of Examinations without voting right;

(xi) The Registrar of the University, who shall be the Member Secretary without voting right.

(2) The Governing Body may, in the interest of the University, decide with the approval of the Society

to include other members, including Pro Vice-Chancellor, if appointed, as it may deem fit:

Provided that the total number of members of the Governing Body shall not exceed twenty-one with

voting rights.

(3) Subject to the provisions of the Act, the Governing Body shall discharge the following functions,

namely—

(a) to review from time to time, the broad policies and programmes of the University and suggest

measures for the working, improvement and development of the University;

(b) to consider and pass resolutions on the annual report and annual accounts of the University and

audit report of such accounts;

(d) to perform such other functions as may be specified by the Statutes;

(4) The term of office of members of the Governing Body shall be such as may be specified by the

Statutes.

(5) The Governing Body shall meet at least four times in a calendar year at such time and place as the

Chancellor deems fit.

24. The Executive Council.— (1) The Executive Council shall be the principal Executive body of the

University.

(2) The constitution of the Executive Council, the term of office of its members and its powers and

functions shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.

(3) Until such time, the Executive Council is constituted by the Governing Body; the Governing Body

shall exercise all powers and perform all functions of the Executive Council.

25. Academic Council.— (1) The Academic Council shall be the principal academic body of the

University, and it shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, the Statutes and the Ordinances, co-ordinate

and exercise general supervision over the academic policies of the University.

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(2) The constitution of the Academic Council, the term of office of its members and its powers and

functions shall be such as may be specified by the Statutes.

26. The Finance Committee.— (1) The Finance Committee shall be the principal financial body of the

University to take care of all financial matters.

(2) The constitution, the term of office of its members and its powers and functions shall be such as

may be specified by the Statutes.

27. Other authorities.— The constitution, the term of office of members and powers and functions of

the Planning Board, Board of Faculties, the Admissions Committees, the Examination Committee and such

other authorities of the University which may be declared by the Statutes to be authorities of the

University, shall be such, as may be specified by the Statutes.

28. Disqualification from membership of the authority.— A person shall be disqualified from holding

an office or being a member of any authority of the University, if that person:—

(i) is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court;

(ii) is an undischarged insolvent;

(iii) has been convicted of any offence involving moral turpitude;

(iv) has been punished for indulging in or promoting unfair practice in the conduct of any

examination, in any form, anywhere;

(v) has any profit motive from the University; and

(vi) applies University fund for his personal use.

29. Vacancies not to invalidate the proceedings of any authority or body of the University.— No

decision, act or proceeding of any authority or body of the University shall be invalid merely by reason of

any vacancy or defect in the constitution thereof.

30. Filling up of Vacancies.— Any vacancy arising in the office of a member of any authority or body

of the University due to death, resignation or removal of a member or due to change of capacity in which

he/she was appointed or nominated, shall be filled up as early as possible by the person or the body who

had appointed or nominated such a member:

Provided that such person shall remain a member of such authority or body, for the residue of the term

of such member.

31. Committees.— The authorities or officers of the University may constitute such committees with

such terms of reference as may be necessary for specific tasks to be performed by such committees. The

constitution of such committees and their duties shall be such as may be determined by the authority or

officers constituting the Committee.

CHAPTER V-STATUTES AND ORDINANCES

32. Statutes.— (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Statutes may provide for all or any of the

following matters namely:—

(a) the appointment, powers and duties of the officers of the University, their emoluments, and their

terms and conditions of service;

(b) the constitution, powers and functions of the authorities and other bodies of the University as

may be constituted from time to time;

filling of vacancies of members, and all other matters relating to those authorities and other bodies for

which it may be necessary or desirable to provide;

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(d) the conferment of honorary degrees;

(e) the procedure for resolving disputes between the University and its officers, faculty members,

employees and students;

(f) the appointment of the teachers of the University and other academic staff and the emoluments

and other terms and conditions of their service;

(g) the appointment of teachers and other academic staff working in any University or organization

for a specified period to undertake a joint project;

(h) the creation, abolition or restructuring of departments and faculties;

(i) the conditions of service of employees including provision for insurance, provident fund, pension,

other schemes, the manner of termination of service and disciplinary action;

(j) the procedure for appeal to the Executive Council by any employee or student against the action

of any officer or authority of University;

(k) the establishment of Centres of studies, Board of studies, Special centres, Specialised

Laboratories and other centres;

(l) the establishment and recognition of Students Council or other associations of teachers, academic

staff or other employees;

(m) participation of the students in the affairs of the University;

(n) the withdrawal of degrees, diplomas, certificates, and other academic distinctions;

(o) the institution of fellowships, scholarships, studentships medals and prizes;

(p) the maintenance of discipline amongst students;

(q) the delegation of powers vested in the authorities or officers of the University;

(r) the manner of co-operation with other Universities or Institutions of higher learning;

(s) the fee chargeable from students for various courses of studies; and

(t) all other matters which by this Act are to be, or may be provided by the Statutes.

33. Statutes to be made.— (1) The Executive Council shall make the Statutes, with the approval of the

Governing Body, for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

(2) The Executive Council may, from time to time, make new or additional Statutes or may amend or

repeal such Statutes:

Provided that the Executive Council shall not make, amend or repeal any Statute affecting the status,

powers or constitution of any authority of the University until such authority has been given an opportunity

to express an opinion in writing on the proposed changes and any opinion so expressed shall be considered

by the Executive Council.

(3) Every new Statute or addition to the Statutes or any amendment or repeal of such Statutes shall

require the approval of the Governing Body, which may assent thereto or withhold assent or remit the same

to the Executive Council for consideration.

(4) A new Statute or a Statute amending or repealing such Statutes shall have no validity unless it has

been assented to by the Governing Body.

34. Ordinances and Regulations.— (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Ordinances may

provide for all or any of the following matters, namely;—

(a) the admission of students to the University and their enrolment and continuance as such;

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(b) the courses of study to be laid down for all Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates, Charters and other

academic distinctions of the University;

the qualifications for the same, and the means to be taken relating to the granting and obtaining of the

same;

(d) the accounting policy and financial procedure;

(e) the conditions of the award of fellowships, scholarships, studentships, medals and prizes;

(f) the conduct of examinations and the conditions and mode of appointment and duties of examining

bodies, examiners, invigilators, tabulators and moderators;

(g) the fees to be charged for courses of study in the University and for admission to the

examinations for Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates, Charters and other academic distinctions of the

University, including the revision thereof;

(h) the alteration of the number of seats in different courses and programmes;

(i) the maintenance of discipline among the students of the University;

(j) the conditions of residence of the students at the University;

(k) the special arrangements, if any, which may be made for the residence, discipline and teaching of

women students and the prescribing of special courses of studies for them;

(l) the appointment and emolument of employees other than those for whom provision has been

made in the Statutes;

(m) the manner of co-operation, collaboration or association with other Universities or authorities;

(n) the creation, composition and function of any other body which is considered necessary for

improving the academic life of a university;

(o) such other terms and conditions of service of teachers and other academic staff as are not

specified by the Statutes;

(p) the management of schools of the University.

(2) The authorities of the University may make Regulations consistent with this Act, the Statutes and

the Ordinances for the conduct of their own business and that of the committees appointed by them and not

provided for by this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances.

35. Ordinances and Regulations to be made.— (1) The first Ordinances and first Regulations shall be

made by the Vice-Chancellor with the prior approval of the Governing Body, and the Ordinances and

Regulations so made may be amended, repealed, or added to at any time by the Executive Council in the

manner specified by the Statutes.

(2) The Academic Council may propose new or additional Ordinances and Regulations and amend or

repeal the Ordinances and Regulations referred to in sub–section (1) in the manner as may be specified by

the Statutes.

(3) Every New Regulation or addition to the Ordinances or any amendment or repeal of a Regulation or

Ordinance shall require the approval first of the Executive Council and finally of the Governing Body.

36. Publication of Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations.— (1) Every Statute, Ordinance, or Regulation

made under this Act shall be made available in the public domain.

(2) Each New Statute or Ordinance or Regulation made under this Act shall be enforced as soon as it is

made by the competent authority.

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CHAPTER VI-FUNDS OF THE UNIVERSITY

37. Permanent Endowment Fund.— The Society shall establish a Permanent Endowment Fund of at

least rupees five crores.

(2) The amount of the Endowment Fund shall be invested and kept invested until the dissolution of the

University in long-term securities issued or guaranteed by the Government.

(3) The University may transfer any amount from the General Fund or the Development Fund to the

Endowment Fund.

(4) Except in the dissolution of the University, no money shall be transferred from the Endowment

Fund under any circumstances for purposes other than that of the University.

(5) The University may utilise up to seventy-five per cent of the annual income from the Endowment

Fund for the development of the infrastructure of the University and reinvest the balance of twenty-five per

cent in the Endowment Fund.

38. General Fund.— The University shall establish a General Fund to which the following amount

shall be credited, namely—

(a) all fees which may be charged by the University;

(b) all sums received from any other sources;

(d) all contributions made in this behalf by any other person or bodies which are not prohibited by

any law for the time being in force.

39. Development Fund.— (1) The University shall also establish a Development Fund to which the

following amount shall be credited, namely—

(a) development fees, which may be charged from students;

(b) all sums received from other sources for the purpose of the development of the University.

(d) all contributions made in this behalf by any other person or bodies which are not prohibited by

any law for the time being in force; and

(e) all incomes received from the Permanent Endowment Fund subject to the provision of this Act.

(2) The money credited to the Development Fund from time to time shall be utilised for the

development of the University in such manner as may be specified by the Statutes.

40. Maintenance of Funds.— The funds established under this Act shall be subject to general

supervision and control of the Governing Body, be regulated and maintained in such manner as may be

specified by the Statutes.

41. Fee Structure.— (1) The fees charged for the different academic programmes shall be in

accordance with the norms and guidelines specified by the UGC and the regulatory bodies, and such fee

structure shall be put in the public domain.

(2) The Executive Council, subject to the approval of the Chancellor, may, from time to time, determine

or alter the fee chargeable from students and others enrolled with the University for purposes of imparting

education, instructions, research or training and similar other purposes:

Provided that no fees can be increased after the admission of a student in a course except the increase

which is proportionate to the annual increase percentage of dearness allowance of the employees of the

University.

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(3) The University shall not charge any fees, by whatever name called, other than for which it is

entitled under the provisions of sub-section (1).

42. Provident Fund, Pension and Insurance.— The University shall constitute for the benefit of its

employees such Provident Fund or Pension Fund, Insurance and such similar schemes as it may deem fit in

such manner and subject to such conditions as may be specified in the statutes and ordinances.

43. Annual Accounts.— (1) The annual accounts and balance sheet of the University shall be prepared

under the directions of the Executive Council and shall, at least once every year and at intervals of not

more than fifteen months, be audited by an experienced and qualified firm of Chartered Accountants of

repute.

(2) A copy of the annual accounts, together with the audit report thereon, shall be submitted to the

Governing Body and the Chancellor along with the observations of the Executive Council.

(3) Any observations made by the Chancellor on the annual accounts shall be brought to the notice of

the Governing Body and the Executive Council, and the observations, if any, shall, after review by the

Executive Council, be submitted to the Chancellor and shall be put in the public domain.

44. Annual Report.— (1) The annual report of the University shall be prepared under the directions of

the Executive Council and shall be submitted to the Governing Body on or after such date as may be

specified by the Statutes, and the Governing Body shall consider the report in its annual meeting;

(2) The Governing Body shall submit the annual report to the Chancellor along with its comments, if

any.

CHAPTER VII-GOVERNMENT CONTROL

45. General Powers of the Regulatory Authority.— (1) For the purposes of ascertaining the standards of

functioning of the University in terms of exercise of administrative powers and service conditions of

employees, the Regulatory Authority may cause an assessment to be made in such manner as it deems

proper.

(2) The Regulatory Authority shall communicate to the University its recommendations in regard to the

result of such assessment and issue directives to the University for corrective action. The University shall

adopt such corrective measures and ensure compliance with the recommendations.

(3) If the University fails to comply with the recommendations made under sub-section (2) within a

reasonable time, the Regulatory Authority may give such directions as it may deem fit for such compliance.

46. Power of the Government to issue directions on policy matters.— The Government, through its

Department of Higher Education, may issue such directions from time to time to the University on policy

matters not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as it may deem necessary. Such directions shall be

complied with by the University, failing which, the Government may take action against the University in

such manner as prescribed for Private Universities operational in the State of Goa.

47. Special powers of the Regulatory Authority and the Government in certain circumstances.— (1) If,

it appears to the Regulatory Authority that the University has contravened any of the provisions of this Act

or Statutes or Ordinances made thereunder or has violated any of the directions issued by it under this Act

or has ceased to carry out any of the undertakings given under this Act or a situation of financial

mismanagement or maladministration has arisen in the University, it shall issue notice requiring the

University to show cause within forty-five days as to why an order of its dissolution should not be made.

(2) If the Regulatory Authority, on receipt of the reply of the University on the notice issued under sub-

-section (1), is satisfied that there is a prima facie case of contravention of any of the provisions of this Act

or the Statutes or Ordinances or Regulations made thereunder or of violation of directions issued by it

under this Act or of ceasing to carry out any of the undertakings given or of financial mismanagement or

maladministration, it shall make an order of such enquiry as it may consider necessary.

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(3) The Regulatory Authority shall, for the purposes of any enquiry under sub-section (2), appoint an

inquiry officer or enquiry committee to inquire into any of the allegations and to make a report thereon.

(4) The inquiry officer or the enquiry committee appointed under sub-section (3) shall have the same

powers as are vested in a Civil Court under the Civil Procedure Code, 1908 (Act of 1908) while trying a

suit in respect of the following matters, namely:—

(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;

(b) requiring the discovery and production of any such document or any other material as may be

necessary in evidence;

(5) The inquiry officer or enquiry committee inquiring under this Act shall be deemed to be a Civil

Court for the purposes of Section 215 and Chapter 28 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

(Central Act No. 46 of 2023).

(6) On receipt of the enquiry report from the enquiry officer or the enquiry Committee appointed under

sub-section (3), if the Regulatory Authority is satisfied that the University has contravened all or any of the

provisions of this Act or the Statutes or Ordinances or Regulations made thereunder or has violated any of

the directions issued by it under this Act or has ceased to carry out the undertakings given by it or a

situation of financial mismanagement and mal-administration has arisen in the University which threatens

the academic standard of the University, it shall make recommendations to the Government for liquidation

of the University and shall appoint an Administrator.

(7) The Administrator appointed under sub-section (6) shall have all the powers and be subjected to all

the duties of the Executive Council and the Governing Body under this Act and shall administer the affairs

of the University until the last batch of the students of the regular courses have completed their courses and

they have been awarded degrees, diplomas or awards, as the case may be.

(8) After having been awarded the degrees, diplomas or awards, as the case may be, to the last batches

of the students of the regular courses, the Administrator shall make a report to the effect to the Regulatory

Authority and the Government.

(9) On receipt of the report under sub-section (8), the Government shall, by a notification in the Official

Gazette, issue an order dissolving the University and from the date of publication of such notification in the

Official Gazette, the University shall stand dissolved, and all the assets and liabilities of the University

shall vest in the Society from such date.

CHAPTER VIII-MISCELLANEOUS

48. First Appointment of Officers and Authorities.— Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act

and the Statutes,—

(a) the first Chancellor, the first Vice-Chancellor, the first Registrar, the first Chief Finance Officer

and the first Controller of Examinations shall be appointed by the Society for a term of five years;

(b) the first Dean to be appointed to the Governing Body shall be appointed by the Chancellor with

the approval of the Society for a term of three years;

Finance Committee shall be constituted by the Chancellor with the approval of the Society for a term of

three years.

49. Transitional Provisions.— Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act and the Statutes and

Ordinances,—

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(a) Any student of the Institute of the Society exercising any rights as per the guidelines of the

AICTE before the date of commencement of this Act, who was studying or was eligible for any

examination of the Institute, shall be permitted to complete his course in preparation thereof, and the

University shall provide for such period and in such manner as it may decide for the instruction, teaching

of such student in accordance with the courses of studies as per the guidelines of the AICTE and/or

UGC. The students shall be permitted to appear at the different examinations held as per the guidelines

of the AICTE and/or UGC for such period or periods as the AICTE guidelines may permit and be

eligible to receive a degree, diploma, certificate or any other distinction as per the AICTE and/or UGC

guidelines;

(b) Students who have been enrolled and have completed their registration in any of the Post

Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programmes of the Institute prior to the issuance of the

notification under sub-section (2) of Section (4) shall be eligible for the award of the respective Post

Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) from the Institute on qualifying for successful completion

of the programmes within the next academic year.

current academic year in any of the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programmes of the

Institute, after the issuance of the notification under sub-section (2) of Section (4) shall be eligible for

the award of the Master’s or Doctoral degree, as the case may be, from the University on qualifying for

successful completion of the programmes.

(d) Students who have been enrolled and have completed their registration in any of the Post

Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) or Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) programmes

of the Institute not more than 2 years prior to the issuance of the notification under sub-section (2) of

Section (4) shall be eligible for award of the respective Masters in Business Administration (MBA) or

Doctoral (PhD) degree, as the case may be, after qualifying for successful completion of the programme.

(e) The campus of the Institute of the Society shall be deemed to be the campus of the University;

(f) The Society shall be deemed to have permitted the use of its buildings and ancillary structures for

the use of the University for administrative and academic purposes only:

Provided that the assets and liabilities of the Society shall continue to be the assets and liabilities of

the Society;

(g) Employees of the Institute of the Society, excluding those retained by it, shall be deemed to be

the employees of the University with all their rights and privileges protected as per their contract of

employment;

(h) All contracts made in the name of the Institute of the Society shall be deemed to be contracts

made in the name of the University;

(i) All suits and legal proceedings taken by the Institute of the Society which are pending on the date

notified in sub-section (2) of Section 4, shall be continued by the University.

50. Dissolution of University.— (1) If the Society proposes dissolution of the University, it shall make

such proposal at least three months in advance in writing to the Government.

(2) On identification of mismanagement, maladministration, indiscipline, failure in the accomplishment

of the objects of the University and economic hardships in the management systems of the University, the

Government shall, subject to and in accordance with the relevant law, if any, for the time being in force,

issue directions to the Society of the University and if the directions are not followed within such time as

may be specified, the right to take decision, for dissolution of the University, shall vest in the Government.

(3) The manner of dissolution of the University would be such as may be specified by the Government

in this behalf for Private Universities operational in the State of Goa.

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(4) If the Government considers it necessary to suspend the Executive Council, it shall, by notification

published in the Official Gazette, order the suspension of the Executive Council and shall make such

arrangements in consultation with the Society for the administration of the business of the University until

the completion of the investigation, as it may consider necessary:

Provided that no such action shall be initiated without affording a reasonable opportunity to show cause

to the Society.

(5) On receipt of the proposal under sub-section (1) or on a decision to dissolve under sub-section (2),

the Government shall in consultation with the AICTE, UGC, and other concerned regulatory bodies of

Central or State Government make such arrangements for administration of the University from the

proposed date of dissolution or winding up of the University until the last batch of the students in regular

courses of studies of the University complete their courses of studies in such manner as may be specified

by the regulatory body.

51. Expenditure of the University during dissolution.— (1) The expenditure for the administration of

the University during the taken-over period of its management under Section 50 shall be met out of the

Endowment Fund, the General Fund or the Development Fund.

(2) If the funds specified under sub-section (1) are not sufficient to meet the expenditure of the

University during the taken-over period of management, such expenditure may be met by disposing of the

properties or assets of the University by the Government.

52. Status of Assets/Liabilities on dissolution/de-recognition.— All assets and properties, including the

permanent endowment fund, general fund or any other fund and also the liabilities of the University, shall

belong to the Society in case of dissolution of the University.

53. Conditions of service of employees.— Every employee shall be appointed under a written contract,

which shall be in the possession of the University and a copy thereof shall be furnished to the employee

concerned.

54. Disciplinary action.— Disciplinary action against the students or employees shall be governed by

such procedure as may be specified in the statutes.

55. Right to appeal.— Every employee or student of the University shall, notwithstanding anything

contained in this Act, have a right to appeal, within such time as may be specified to the Executive Council

against the decision of any officer or authority of the University and the Executive Council may confirm,

modify or vary such decision.

56. Disputes as to the constitution of University Authorities and bodies.— If any question arises as to

whether any person has been duly appointed or is entitled to be a member of any authority or other body of

the University, the matter shall be referred to the Chancellor of the University, whose decision on such

question shall be final.

57. Constitution of Committees.— Where any authority of the University is given power under this Act

or the Statutes to appoint Committees, such Committees shall, save as otherwise provided, consist of the

members of the authority concerned and of such other persons as the authority in each case may think fit.

58. Protection of action taken in good faith.— (1) No suit or other legal proceedings shall lie against

any officer or other employee of the University for anything which is done in good faith or intended to be

done in pursuance of the provisions of this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances.

(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall be a bar for filing suits, prosecutions or other legal proceedings for

anything done in contravention of the provisions of this Act, the Statutes or the Ordinances made

thereunder, and any other law for the time being in force.

59. Mode of proof of University records.— A copy of any receipt, application, notice, order, proceeding,

resolution of any authority or Committee of the University or other documents in possession of the

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University, if certified by the Registrar, shall be received as prima-facie evidence of such receipt,

application, notice, order, proceeding or resolution, document or the existence of entry in the register and

shall be admitted as evidence of the matters and transactions therein where the original thereof would, if

produced have been admissible in evidence.

60. Convocation.— The convocation of the University shall be held in every academic year in the

manner as may be specified by the Statutes and Ordinances for conferring degrees, diplomas or for any

other purpose.

61. Power to make rules by the Government.— (1) The Government may, by notification, make rules

for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

(2) Every rule made under this Act shall, as soon as may be after it is made, be laid before the

Legislative Assembly of Goa.

62. Disputes to be settled in a Court in Goa.— All disputes arising as a result of the provisions made in

the Act shall be settled by a Court of law in the State of Goa.

63. Power to remove difficulties.— If any difficulty arises in giving effect to any of the provisions of

this Act, the Government may, by order not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, remove the

difficulty:

Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiration of a period of two years from the date of

commencement of this Act.

(2) Every order made under this section shall, as soon as may be after it is made, be laid before the

Legislative Assembly of Goa.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The Goa Institute of Management Society have come forward to transition the Goa Institute of

Management (GIM) into a private university named GIM University in the State of Goa. The establishment

of a private university by a well-known and premier organisation would certainly help in spreading quality

education to needy students.

Keeping this in view, it is considered necessary to establish GIM University. This private university

shall focus on teaching, training, research, and development in the fields of management education, finance

education, and technology education, particularly in the areas of science, social science, humanities, and

management.

There is also a consequential need for the transition of students, teaching staff, and non-teaching staff

from the existing Goa Institute of Management (GIM) to the GIM University.

This Bill seeks to achieve the above objects.

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

No financial implications are involved in this Bill on the part of the Government.

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

Clause 1(2) of the Bill empowers the Government to appoint the date for bringing into force the Act by

Notification in the Official Gazette.

Clause 4(2) of the Bill empowers the Government to issue Notification to accord sanction for the

establishment and commencement of the University in the state of Goa in the name of “GIM University”.

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Clause 61 of the Bill empowers the Government to make rules for carrying out all or any of the

provisions of the Act.

Clause 63 of the Bill empowers the Government to issue any order for the purpose of removing any

difficulty which may arise in giving effect to the provisions of the Act.

These delegations are of normal character.

Porvorim-Goa.

12th January, 2026.

DR. PRAMOD SAWANT

Hon’ble Minister for Education.

Assembly Hall,

Porvorim, Goa.

12th January, 2026.

NAMRATA ULMAN

Secretary to the

Legislative Assembly of Goa.

———♦———

The following bill which was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa on 13th

January, 2026 is hereby published for general information in pursuance of Rule-138 of the Rules of

Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

________

The Goa Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026

(Bill No. 5 of 2026)

BILL

further to amend the Goa Value Added Tax Act, 2005 (Goa Act 9 of 2005).

BE it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Goa in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as

follows:-

1. Short title and commencement.— (1) This Act may be called the Goa Value Added Tax

(Amendment) Act, 2026.

(2) It shall come into force on such date, as the Government may, by notification in the Official

Gazette, appoint.

2. Substitution of Section 7.— For Section 7 of the Goa Value Added Tax Act, 2005 (Goa Act 9 of

2005) (hereinafter referred to as the “principal Act”), the following section shall be substituted, namely:—

“7. Composition of Tax— (1) Subject to such conditions and in such circumstances as may be

prescribed, if any registered dealer, of the class specified in Schedule E, whose total turnover in the

previous year does not exceed the limit specified in the said Schedule and who is liable to pay tax under

sub-section (1), (2) and (3) of Section 3, so elects, the Commissioner may accept towards composition of

tax, in lieu of the net amount of tax payable by him under this Act, an amount at the rate shown against

respective class of dealers in the said Schedule calculated on total turnover, either in full or in

instalments, as may be prescribed:

LA/LEGN/2026/3374

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Provided that any dealer of the class specified in Schedule ‘E’ is liable to pay tax under sub-section

(2) and (3) of Section 3, may, at any time during the year, by making self-declaration that his turnover of

sales during the said year will not exceed the limit specified in the said Schedule ‘E’ apply for

composition of tax under this section.

(2) In the event of transfer of business under any of the circumstances as provided under Section 19,

the total turnover for the purposes of sub-section (1) shall be the aggregate of the turnover of the

transferor as well as the transferee during the year and the prescribed conditions, if any, shall be

applicable with reference to such aggregate of the turnover.

(3) Any dealer eligible for composition of tax under sub-section (1) shall not:—

(a) be permitted to claim any input tax credit on purchases and on stock held on the appointed day

or on the day from which he is held liable to pay tax under this Act or on the day on which his

Registration Certificate is made valid, as the case may be;

(b) charge any tax under this Act in his sales bill or sales invoice in respect of sales made by him;

(4) The option of composition availed of by a registered dealer under sub-section (1) shall continue

to be in force till the time dealer voluntarily opt out of composition scheme by making an application in

writing and submitting the same to the registration authority mentioning the date from which the dealer

voluntarily opts out of composition. The date of opting out of composition scheme voluntarily shall be

the date on or after submission of such written application.

(5) The option of composition availed of by a registered dealer under sub-section (1) shall be

automatically invalid with effect from the date from which the dealer ceases to be eligible to continue

under the composition scheme due to his aggregate turnover during the financial year exceeding the

limit specified under sub-section (1) or for violating any other eligibility conditions to continue under

composition scheme.

(6) In case of dealer opting for composition for more than one class of business from those specified

in schedule E, the turnover limit as specified in schedule E for each of the class of business shall be

separately applicable for each class of business and the dealer shall be liable to maintain separate clear

and legible accounts in respect of turnover of each such class of business.

(7) For the purposes of this section, the total turnover of a dealer shall be the turnover as defined

under clause (am) of Section 2 of this Act and any turnover of goods under the ambit of the Goa Goods

and Services Tax Act, 2017 (Goa Act No. 4 of 2017) shall not be taken into consideration while

computing the total turnover.

(8) A registered dealer shall not be eligible to opt for composition under this section unless such

dealer opts for composition for all types of businesses dealing with goods under this Act undertaken by

him as one legal person in the State of Goa”.

3. Amendment of Section 31B.— In Section 31B of the principal Act,

(i) for sub-section (2), the following sub-section shall be substituted, namely:—

“(2) The application for the purposes of sub-section (1) shall be made on or before 30-06-2026 on

a plain paper, setting out therein all the relevant facts and shall be accompanied by proof of payment

of non-refundable processing fees of Rs. 10,000/- (Ten thousand). Separate applications shall be made

for each assessment year/assessment period. No application under this section shall be filed after

01-07-2026 or thereafter.”;

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(ii) after sub-section (4), the following sub-section shall be inserted, namely:—

“(5) Any person aggrieved by an order passed under this section may file an appeal before the

Tribunal under section 36 of this Act and the procedure as laid down under section 36 shall mutatis

mutandis apply to such Appeal”.

4. Amendment of Section 33.— In Section 33 of the principal Act, after sub-section (2), the following

sub-section shall be inserted, namely:––

“(3) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act or any other law for the time

being in force, any application seeking refund shall be filed within a period of two years from the close

of the financial year to which the refund pertains and no refund application shall be entertained and no

refund shall be sanctioned in pursuance of such application filed after expiry of said period of two years.

This limitation bar of two years shall not apply to any refund determined in the order passed in respect

of assessment/rectification/review/appeal or any other order passed in accordance with this Act within

the limitation period for passing such order.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

With a view to give effect to the proposals contained in the Budget Speech for the financial year 2025-

2026, it is considered expedient to make an amendment to the Goa Value Added Tax Act, 2005 (Goa Act 9

of 2005) (hereinafter referred to as the “said Act”) for simplifying the procedure of opting for composition

for small dealers and to do away with the requirement of exercising composition option on yearly basis and

also for suitably amending the Act for providing for a closing date for filing of new applications under

section 31B and for filing refund applications under Section 33 of the Act.

Clause 2 of the Bill seeks to substitute Section 7 of the said Act to simplify provisions relating to

composition so as to provide for exercising composition option only once instead of present provisions of

filing it for each financial year. This is aimed at reducing compliance burden on small dealers and for

promoting ease of doing business. With the proposed substitution of Section 7, the composition option

exercised once shall be valid till either dealer voluntarily opts out of composition by filing a written

application or automatically ceases to be eligible to continue under composition due to exceeding the

turnover limit or for otherwise being ineligible to continue under composition scheme.

Clause 3 of the Bill seeks to amend Section 31B of the said Act by providing for 30-06-2026 as the last

date for filing of any application under said section and by inserting a new sub-section providing for an

appeal against any order passed under that section before the Tribunal constituted under Section 36 of the

Act.

Clause 4 of the Bill seeks to amend Section 33 of the said Act by inserting a new sub-section for

providing for a limitation period of two years for filing any refund application, except for any refund

amount determined in the order passed in respect of assessment/rectification/review/appeal or any other

order passed in accordance with said Act within the limitation period for passing such order.

This Bill seeks to achieve the above objects.

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

The proposed Goa Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026 does not involve any recurring or non-

recurring expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of the State. The proposed Bill seeks to simplify the

procedural aspects relating to Composition dealers, fresh assessments and refunds.

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MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

The delegated legislation envisaged in this bill is of normal character.

Assembly Hall,

Porvorim, Goa.

January, 2026

DR. PRAMOD SAWANT

Hon. Chief Minister/Minister for Finance.

Assembly Hall,

Porvorim, Goa.

January, 2026

NAMRATA ULMAN

Secretary to the

Legislative Assembly of Goa.

Governor’s Recommendation under Article 207 of the Constitution of India.

In pursuance of Article 207 of the Constitution of India, I, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Governor of

Goa, hereby recommend to the Legislative Assembly of Goa, the introduction and consideration of the Goa

Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula, Goa.

Date: / /2026.

Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju

Governor of Goa.

------------

ANNEXURE

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Extract of existing provision of Section 7, 31B and 33 of the Goa Value Added Tax Act, 2005

(Goa Act No. 9 of 2005)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section 7 Composition of Tax.— (1) Subject to such conditions and in such circumstances as may be

prescribed, if any registered dealer, of the class specified in Schedule E, whose total turnover in the

previous year does not exceed the limit specified in the said Schedule and who is liable to pay tax under

sub-section (1), (2) and (3) of Section 3, so elects, the Commissioner may accept towards composition of

tax, in lieu of the net amount of tax payable by him under this Act, during the year, an amount at the rate

shown against respective class of dealers in the said Schedule calculated on total turnover, either in full or

in instalments, as may be prescribed:

Provided that any dealer of the class specified in Schedule ‘E’ is liable to pay tax under sub-section (2)

and (3) of Section 3, may, at any time during the year, by making self-declaration that his turnover of sales

during the said year will not exceed the limit specified in the said Schedule ‘E’ apply for composition of

tax under this section.

(1A) In the event of transfer of business under any of the circumstances as provided under section 19,

the total turnover for the purposes of sub-section (1) shall be the aggregate of the turnover of the

transferor as well as the transferee during the year and the prescribed conditions, if any, shall be

applicable with reference to such aggregate of the turnover.

(2) Any dealer eligible for composition of tax under sub-section (1) shall not:—

(a) be permitted to claim any input tax credit on purchases and on stock held on the appointed day or

on the day from which he is held liable to pay tax under this Act or on the day on which his Registration

Certificate is made valid, as the case may be;

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(b) charge any tax under this Act in his sales bill or sales invoice in respect of sales made by him;

(3) Any dealer who is eligible for composition of tax under sub-section (1), fails to file return within

the time prescribed, for the period for which composition is granted, he shall not be eligible for

composition of tax for next one year:

Provided that the Commissioner, upon an application made by such dealer to continue in the

composition scheme, shall first determine the dealer’s liability for the preceding year within a period of 30

days from the date of such application. After payment of dues as determined by the Commissioner, the

Commissioner may consider the said application and upon imposing a penalty of an amount equal to 10%

of the tax so determined, by order in writing, permit the dealer to avail composition of tax.

N.B.:- Total turnover for the purpose of this section will include aggregate sales of taxable and non-taxable goods.

Section “31B. Fresh assessment on request of Taxpayer.— (1) Notwithstanding anything contrary

contained in the provisions of this Act, a dealer who is assessed or re-assessed by disallowing input tax

credit for reason of non-renewal of registration for any period starting from the 1st day of April, 2017 till

the date of commencement of the Goa Value Added Tax (Second Amendment) Act, 2023, may apply to the

Commissioner for getting him assessed afresh in pursuance of deemed renewal of his registration under

sub-section (10A) of Section 18 inserted by the Goa Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Goa Act 9

of 2023).

(2) The application for the purposes of sub-section (1) shall be made on a plain paper, setting out

therein all the relevant facts and shall be accompanied by proof of payment of non-refundable processing

fees of Rs. 10,000/-. Separate applications shall be made for each assessment year/assessment period.

(3) The Commissioner after affording an opportunity of being heard to the applicant, shall pass an order

either allowing the fresh assessment or rejecting the application for reasons to be recorded in writing.

(4) In case where the Commissioner by an Order passed under this section allows the fresh assessment,

notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act or in any other law for time being in force,

the bar of limitation shall not be applicable for re-opening of any assessment of such dealer in respect of

any period from the date of registration of the dealer till the date of passing of Order by the

Commissioner.”.

Section 33. Refund and Payment of Interest on Amount Refundable.— (1) Subject to other provisions of

this Act and the Rules made thereunder, the Commissioner shall in the manner and within the time as may

be prescribed, refund to a dealer any amount of tax, penalty or interest paid by such dealer in excess of the

amount due from him under this Act or unduly paid by him and also excess of input tax credit over output

tax payable under this Act. The amount of such refund shall be credited to the declared Bank account of the

dealer.

(2) When any amount refundable to any dealer or person under an order made under any provisions of

this Act, including refund admissible to an exporter under sub-section (3) of Section 10, is not refunded

within ninety days—

(a) of the date of such order is made by any authority; or

(b) the date of receipt of the order by the authority, if such order is made by any other authority; or

the authority shall pay such person simple interest at the rate of eight per cent. per annum on the said

amount from the day immediately following the day of expiry of the said ninety days to the day of refund:

Provided that the interest calculable shall be on the balance of the amount remaining after adjusting out

of the refundable amount any tax, penalty or other amount due under this Act, for any year by the person

on the date from which such interest is calculable.

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The following bill which was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa on 13th

January, 2026 is hereby published for general information in pursuance of Rule-138 of the Rules of

Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

________

The Goa School Education (Amendment) Bill, 2026

(Bill No. 6 of 2026)

BILL

further to amend the Goa School Education Act, 1984 (Goa Act 15 of 1985).

BE it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Goa in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as

follows:-

1. Short title and commencement.— (1) This Act may be called the Goa School Education

(Amendment) Act, 2026.

(2) It shall come into force at once.

2. Substitution of Section 18.— In the Goa School Education Act, 1984 (Goa Act 15 of 1985), for

Section 18, the following section shall be substituted, namely:—

“18. Admission to recognized schools.— 1) A child who has not attained the age of six years on or

before the 1^st day of June of the year in which the admission of such child is sought, shall not be

admitted to class I or an equivalent class or any class higher than class I, in a recognized school:

Provided that for the academic year 2025-2026, any child who has attained the age of five years and

six months on or before the 1^st day of June of that academic year, shall be admitted to class I or an

equivalent class, in a recognized school.

2) A student seeking admission for the first time in recognized school in a class higher than class I

shall not be admitted to that class if his age reduced by the number of years of normal school study

between that class and class I or an equivalent class, falls short of six years.

3) Admission to a recognized school or to any class thereof shall be regulated by rules made in this

behalf.”

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The Bill seeks to substitute Section 18 of the Goa School Education Act, 1984 (Goa Act 15 of 1985), so

as to provide for enhancement of age for admission to standard I so as to be in consonance with the

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory

Education Act, 2009 (Central Act 35 of 2009) wherein minimum age mentioned for admission to class I in

recognized school is six years.

This Bill seeks to achieve the above objects.

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

No Financial implications are involved in this Bill.

LA/LEGN/2026/3375

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MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

Clause 2 of the Bill empowers the Government to make rules for regulating the admission to a

recognized school or to any class thereof.

This delegation of normal character.

Assembly Hall,

Porvorim, Goa.

12- January, 2026.

DR. PRAMOD SAWANT

Hon. Chief Minister

Assembly Hall,

Porvorim, Goa.

12- January, 2026.

NAMRATA ULMAN

Secretary to the

Legislative Assembly of Goa.

------------

ANNEXURE

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Extract of the Goa School Education Act, 1984

(Goa Act 15 of 1985)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18. Admission to recognized schools.— (1) A child who has not attained the age of five years on or

before the 5th Day of September of the year in which the admission of such child is sought shall not be

admitted to class I, or an equivalent class or any class higher than class I, in a recognized school.

Provided that a child who has not attained the age of five years on or before the 1st day of June of the

year two thousand and one, shall not be admitted to class one or an equivalent class or any class higher

than class I in a recognized school in the year two thousand and one;

Provided further that from the 1st day of June of the year two thousand and two, a child who has not

attained the age of five years and six months, on or before the 1st day of June of the year in which the

admission of such child is sought shall not be admitted to class I, or an equivalent class or any class higher

than class I, in a recognized school.

(2) A student seeking admission for the first time in a recognized school in a class higher than class I

shall not be admitted to that class if his age reduced by the number of years of normal school study

between that class and class I or an equivalent class, falls short of five years.

(3) Admission to a recognized school or to any class thereof shall be regulated by rules made in this

behalf.

———♦———

The following bill which was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa on 13^th January,

2026 is hereby published for general information in pursuance of Rule-138 of the Rules of Procedure and

Conduct of Business of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

________

The Goa Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026

(Bill No. 7 of 2026)

LA/LEGN/2026/3376

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BILL

further to amend the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 (Goa Act No. 14 of 1994).

BE it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Goa in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as

follows:—

1. Short title and commencement.— (1) This Act may be called the Goa Panchayat Raj (Amendment)

Act, 2026.

(2) It shall come into force at once except Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 which shall be deemed to have come

into force on the 12th day of November, 2025.

2. Insertion of new Section 4-A.— After Section 4 of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 (Goa Act No. 14

of 1994 (hereinafter referred to as the “principal Act”), the following section shall be inserted, namely:—

“4-A. Right of member of the Legislative Assembly and member of the Zilla Panchayat to associate

in the meetings of Gram Sabha.— (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the member of the

Legislative Assembly of the State and member of the Zilla Panchayat, representing the Constituency

within which a Panchayat area is encompassed, either wholly or partly, shall have right to associate in

the meetings of Gram Sabha of the concerned Panchayat and take part in the proceedings of the

meetings but shall have no right to vote unless their names for the time being are entered as electors in

the electoral roll of such Panchayat.

(2) The notice of an ordinary meeting of the Gram Sabha shall be given at least seven clear days

before the date of such meeting and in case of an extraordinary meeting at least four days before the date

of such meeting, by the Sarpanch to the member of the Legislative Assembly and member of the Zilla

Panchayat referred in sub-section (1), by clearly specifying the date, hour and place at which such

meeting is to be held and the business to be transacted thereto.”

3. Amendment of Section 47.— In Section 47 of the principal Act, for the expression “Notwithstanding

anything contained in this Act and the rules framed thereunder, the Secretary shall also exercise the powers

on the following matters namely:—”, the expression “Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act and

the rules framed thereunder, the Secretary shall exercise the powers on the following matters, namely:—”

shall be substituted.

4. Amendment of Section 54.— In Section 54 of the principal Act,—

(i) in sub-section (1), for the words “fifteen days”, the words “seven days” shall be substituted;

(ii) in sub-section (2), for the words “within fifteen days”, the words “within seven days” shall be

substituted;

(iii) in sub-section (3), for the words “seven clear days” and “three clear days”, the words “three

clear days” and “two clear days” shall be respectively substituted.

5. Amendment of Section 66.— In Section 66 of the principal Act, in sub-section (1), after the existing

proviso, the following proviso shall be inserted, namely:—

“Provided further that a building which is reflected in the record of rights and the first promulgated

survey plan prepared under the provisions of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968 (9 of 1969) shall be

deemed to have been erected with due permission of the Panchayat.”.

6. Repeal and savings.— (1) The Goa Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 (Ordinance No. 1

of 2025) is hereby repealed.

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(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken under the principal Act, as

amended by the said Ordinance, shall be deemed to have been done or taken under the principal Act, as

amended by this Act.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The Bill seeks to amend the Goa Panchayat Raj Act 1994 (Goa Panchayat Raj Act No. 14 of 1994)

(hereinafter referred to as the “said Act”) so as to insert Section 4-A to give right to the elected

representatives of the Legislative Assembly and Zilla Panchayat to attend meetings of the Gram Sabhas of

Village Panchayats within their Constituencies and to take part in their deliberations with right to vote only

if they are members of the Gram Sabha of the concerned Village Panchayat.

The Bill further seeks to amend Section 47 of the said Act so as to remove the ambiguity due to

existence of the word “also” which gives an interpretation that besides Panchayat Secretary there also exist

another authority to exercise powers under Section 47. The present amendment seeks to remove aforesaid

ambiguity and give clear interpretation that Panchayat Secretary is the sole authority to exercise powers in

respect of the matters mentioned in Section 47.

The Bill further seeks to amend Section 54 of the said Act to enable the Village Panchayat to hold four

ordinary meetings in a month by reducing the time period of service of meeting notice.

The Bill further seeks to amend Section 66 of the said Act so as to give protection to the buildings

which are reflected in the record of rights and the first promulgated survey plan prepared under the

provisions of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968 (9 of 1969) against demolition.

The Bill also seeks to repeal the Goa Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 (Ordinance No. 1

of 2025) promulgated by the Hon’ble Governor of Goa on 12^th day of November, 2025.

This Bill seeks to achieve the above objects.

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

No financial implications are involved in this Bill.

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

No delegated legislation is envisaged in this Bill.

Assembly Hall,

Porvorim-Goa.

12^th January, 2026

Shri MAUVIN GODINHO

Minister of Panchayats.

Assembly Hall,

Porvorim-Goa.

12^th January, 2026

NAMRATA A. ULMAN

Secretary to the

Legislative Assembly of Goa.

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Annexure to the Goa Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026

(Bill No. 7 of 2026)

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The Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 (Act 14 of 1994)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Gram Sabha.— As from the date appointed under Section 3, all persons whose names are for the

time being entered as electors in the electoral roll for a Panchayat shall be deemed to constitute the Gram

Sabha for that Panchayat.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 (Act 14 of 1994)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

47. Executive powers and functions of the Secretary.— Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act

and the rules framed thereunder, the Secretary shall also exercise the powers on the following matters,

namely:—

(i) to issue the licences for construction, repairs, modification, alteration, so also occupancy

certificate in pursuance of the resolution of the Panchayat;

(ii) to issue the permission/license for trade, business, industry, hotel, restaurant, eating house, coffee

house, sweetmeat shop, bakery, boarding house or lodging house (other than a hostel recognized by the

Government) or a dharmashala or for manufacturing ice or aerated water or any other permission/license

under Section 68, 69, 70 or 71 of this Act, in pursuance of the resolution of the Panchayat;

(iii) upon an order of the Block Development Officer to issue permission/licence for construction,

repairs, modification, alteration, or to issue permissions license for trade, business, industry, hotel,

restaurant, eating house, coffee house, sweetmeat shop, bakery, boarding house or lodging house (other

than a hostel recognized by the Government) or a dharmashala or for manufacturing ice or aerated water

or any other permission/license under Section 66, 68, 69, 70 or 71 of this Act, or any occupancy

certificate.

(iv) to initiate action for stopping and or demolishing an unauthorized structure/building constructed

without the permission of the Panchayat after resolution is passed to that effect;

(v) to execute the resolution passed by the Panchayat body.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 (Act 14 of 1994)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

54. Meeting of the Panchayat.— (1) A Panchayat shall meet for transaction of business at least once in

fifteen days at the office of the Panchayat and at such time as the Sarpanch may determine.

(2) The Sarpanch may, whenever he thinks fit, and shall, upon the written request of not less than one-

third of the total number of members and on a date within fifteen days from the receipt of such request hold

a special meeting.

(3) Seven clear days notice of an ordinary meeting and three clear days notice of a special meeting

specifying the place, date and time of such meeting and the business to be transacted thereat, shall be given

by the Secretary of the Panchayat to the members and such officers as the Government may prescribe, and

affixed on the notice board of the Panchayat.

(4) The officers to whom notice is given under sub-section (3) and other Government officers having

jurisdiction over the Panchayat area or any part thereof shall be entitled to attend every meeting of the

Panchayat and take part in the proceedings, but shall not be entitled to vote.

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(5) If the Sarpanch fails to hold a special meeting as provided in sub-section (2), the Block

Development Officer shall hold such a meeting within seven days upon the receipt of the written request of

not less than one-third of the total number of members of the Panchayat.

Explanation: For the purpose of this section, the date of presentation of written request in the office of

the Panchayat or the Block Development Officer, as the case may be shall be the date from which the

period is to be counted.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 (Act 14 of 1994)

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66. Regulation of the erection of buildings.— (1) Subject to such rules as may be prescribed, no person

shall erect any building or alter or add to any existing building or reconstruct any building without the

written permission of the Panchayat. The permission may be granted on payment of such fees as may be

prescribed.

Provided that alteration of a building which consists of a single dwelling unit constructed or in

existence before the commencement of this Act shall be permitted to the extent of replacement of tiles

roofing with the R.C.C. slab roofing upon production of certificate of stability of such building issued by

the Registered Structural Engineer.

(2) If the Panchayat does not, within a period of fifteen days from the date of receipt of the application

under sub-section (1), determine whether such permission should be given or not and communicate its

decision to the applicant, after expiry of such period of fifteen days, such permission shall be deemed to

have been granted to the applicant and the applicant shall be free to execute the work strictly in accordance

with the technical clearance and plans as approved by Town and Country Planning Authorities and in

conformity with conditions laid down by all other statutory authorities but not so as to contravene any of

the provisions of this Act or any rules or bye-laws made under this Act or of any other law for the time

being in force:

Provided that the observations, if any, of the Panchayat in respect of the application under this section

to be complied by the applicant shall be communicated by the Panchayat to the applicant compulsorily in

one single communication and within a period of seven days from the date of receipt of such application.

The period between the date of dispatch of such communication by the Panchayat and the date of

compliance by the applicant shall not be considered for calculating such period of fifteen days specified for

the purpose of determination of application by the Panchayat.

(2A) Where the permission under sub-section (1) is deemed to have been granted under sub-section (2),

before proceeding with execution of the work, the applicant shall give intimation notice in such form as

prescribed, to the Panchayat, the Block Development Officer and the Town and Country Planning

Authorities and he shall also deposit with the Secretary the fees payable under sub-section (1). The

Secretary shall be duty bound to accept such fees and issue proper receipt to the applicant and credit such

fees to the Panchayat Fund.

(2B) The applicant after complying with the provisions of sub-section (2A), shall be entitled to execute

the work strictly in accordance with the technical clearance and plans approved by the Town and Country

Planning Authorities and in conformity with conditions laid down by all other statutory authorities and the

applicant shall follow the procedure as may be applicable for obtaining the completion certificate within

the validity period.

(2C) Subject to such rules as prescribed, no building erected, re-erected or altered in pursuance of sub-

section (1), (2) or (2B), shall be occupied in whole or part until an occupancy certificate is issued by the

Panchayat after confirming that such building is in conformity with approved plans.

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(2D) The occupancy certificate shall be issued by Panchayat on payment of such occupancy fees as

prescribed.

(2E) If the Panchayat does not, within a period of fifteen days from the date of receipt of application for

occupancy certificate, determine whether such occupancy certificate should be issued or not and

communicate its decision to the applicant, after expiry of such period of fifteen days, such occupancy

certificate shall be deemed to have been issued if the applicant has obtained necessary completion

certificate from the Town and Country Planning Authorities as per the provisions of the Goa (Regulation of

Land Development and Building Construction) Act, 2008 (Goa Act 6 of 2008) and the Regulations framed

thereunder:

Provided that the observations, if any, of the Panchayat in respect of the application under this section

to be complied by the applicant shall be communicated by the Panchayat to the applicant compulsorily in

one single communication and within a period of seven days from the date of receipt of such application.

The period between the date of dispatch of such communication by the Panchayat and the date of

compliance by the applicant shall not be considered for calculating such period of fifteen days specified for

the purpose of determination of application by the Panchayat.”;

(2F) Where the occupancy certificate is deemed to have been issued under sub-section (2E), before

proceeding to occupy the premises, the applicant shall give intimation notice in such form as prescribed to

the concerned Panchayat and the Block Development Officer and he shall also deposit with the Secretary

the occupancy fees as payable under sub-section (2D). The Secretary shall be duty bound to accept the

occupancy fees and issue a proper receipt to the applicant and credit such fees to the Panchayat Fund.

(3) Whenever any building is erected, added to or reconstructed without such permission or in any

manner contrary to the rules prescribed under sub-section (1) or any conditions imposed by the permission

granted, the Panchayat may,—

(a) direct that the building, alteration or addition be stopped; or

(b) by written notice require within a reasonable period to be specified therein, such building alteration

or addition to be altered or demolished.

(4) In the event of non-compliance with terms of any notice under clause (b) of sub-section (3) within

the period specified in the notice, it shall be lawful for the Panchayat to take such action as may be

necessary for the completion of the act there by required to be done, and all the expenses therein incurred

by the Panchayat shall be paid by the person or persons upon whom the notice was served and shall be

recoverable as if it were a tax imposed under this Act.

(5) Where the Panchayat fails to demolish the building which is erected, added to or reconstructed

without the permission of the Panchayat, or in any manner contrary to the rules made under the Act or any

conditions imposed in the permission, within a month from the date of the knowledge, the Deputy Director

shall assume the powers of the Panchayat under sub-sections (3), (4) and (5) and take such steps as may be

necessary for the demolition of such building.

(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions, the Block Development Officer

concerned may, by notice addressed to the person responsible, stop any construction which is being

constructed in violation of the provisions of the Act or rules or bye-laws made thereunder and refer the case

to the Deputy Director of Panchayat. On receipt of the notice, such person shall forthwith stop the same.

(7) An appeal shall lie to the Director, within a period of thirty days from any order of direction or

notice issued under any of the provisions of this section and the decision of the Director on such appeal

shall be final.

Explanation:— For the purpose of this section, failure to communicate the decision by the Panchayat

under sub-section (2) and failure to demolish the building under sub-sections (3) and (4) shall be deemed to

be ‘remiss’ in the performance of duties by the Panchayat.

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The following bill which was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa on 13th

January, 2026 is hereby published for general information in pursuance of Rule-138 of the Rules of

Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

________

The Goa Land Revenue Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026

(Bill No. 8 of 2026)

BILL

further to amend the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968 (Act No. 9 of 1969).

BE it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic

of India as follows:-

1. Short title and commencement.— (1) This Act may be called the Goa Land Revenue Code

(Amendment) Act, 2026.

(2) It shall be deemed to have come into force on the 2^nd day of December, 2025.

2. Amendment of Section 32.— In Section 32 of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968 (Act No. 9 of

1969), (hereinafter referred to as the “principal Act”), in sub-section (3), for the words “sixty days”, the

words “forty five days” shall be substituted.

3. Repeal and Saving.— (1) The Goa Land Revenue Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 (Ordinance

No. 5 of 2025) is hereby repealed.

(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken under the principal Act, as

amended by the said Ordinance, shall be deemed to have been done or taken under the principal Act, as

amended by this Act.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The Bill seeks to amend Section 32 of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968 (Act No. 9 of 1969) so as to

reduce the time period for disposal of applications for conversion from sixty days to forty five days, as a

measure to streamline and simplify the process under the deregulation framework, thereby promoting ease

of doing business and ease of living.

The Bill also seeks to repeal the Goa Land Revenue Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 (Ordinance

No. 5 of 2025) promulgated by the Governor of Goa on 02-12-2025.

This Bill seeks to achieve the above objects.

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

No Financial implications are involved in this Bill.

LA/LEGN/2026/3377

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MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

No delegated legislation is envisaged in this Bill.

Porvorim-Goa.

13th January, 2026

ATANASIO MONSERRATE

Minister for Revenue

Assembly Hall,

Porvorim, Goa.

13th January, 2026

NAMRATA ULMAN

Secretary to the

Legislative Assembly of Goa.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Extract of Section 32 of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

32. Procedure for conversion of use of land from one purpose to another.

(1) If an occupant of land or a tenant of such land—

(a) which is assessed or held for the purpose of agriculture wishes to use it for a non-agricultural

purpose, or

(b) where land is assessed or held for a particular non-agricultural purpose, wishes to use it for

another non-agricultural purpose, or

of any of the conditions imposed at the time of grant of land or permission for such non-agricultural

purpose, such occupant or tenant shall, with consent of the tenant or, as the case may be, of the

occupant, apply to the Collector for permission in accordance with the form prescribed.

(2) The Collector, on receipt of an application,—

(a) shall acknowledge the application within seven days:

(b) may, unless the Collector directs otherwise, return the application if it is not made by the

occupant or, as the case may be, the tenant or if the consent of the tenant, or as the case may be, of the

occupant has not been obtained, or if it is not in accordance with the form prescribed;

specify subject to any rules made in this behalf by the Government; or refuse the permission applied

for, if it is necessary so to do to secure the public health, safety and convenience or if such use is

contrary to any scheme for the planned development of a village, town or city in force under any law

for the time being in force and in the case of land which is to be used as building sites in order to

secure in addition that the dimensions, arrangement and accessibility of the sites are adequate for the

health and convenience of the occupiers or are suitable to the locality; where an application is

rejected, the Collector shall state the reasons in writing of such rejection.

(3) The Collector shall take a decision on the application within a period of sixty days from the date

of receipt of the application and in case of his failure to do so, the person shall have the right to make an

appeal to the Secretary (Revenue) to the Government who shall dispose of the appeal within a period of

thirty days from the date of filing of appeal.

(4) The person to whom permission is granted.[*] Under this section shall inform the Mamlatdar in

writing through the village accountant of the date on which the change of user of land commenced,

within thirty days from such date.

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(5) [If the person fails to inform the Mamlatdar, within the period specified in sub-section (4), he

shall be liable to pay, in addition to the non-agricultural assessment, such fine as the Government may,

by notification in the Official Gazette, specify, from time to time].

(6) (i) For the purpose of conversion, the land in the State of Goa shall be categorized as below:—

“A” Category: Coastal Panchayat areas and areas of five major towns

(b) “B” Category areas: 1.5 times of the rate specified

Provided that no such fees shall be leviable in cases where sanad is granted for the purpose of churches,

temples, mosque, gurudwaras:

[Provided further that when the land to be used for the purpose of sports, health, education, charitable

or cultural institutions, housing by a co-operative housing society formed by the Government employees or

the accredited journalists registered with the Directorate of Information and Publicity, Government of Goa,

the Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, exempt from payment of said fees].

“(6A) The Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, amend any entry in the Table

specified in clause (ii) of sub-section (6) and thereafter such Table shall be deemed to have been amended

accordingly.

(6B) Every notification issued under sub-section (6A) shall be laid as soon as may be after it is made on

the table of the Legislative Assembly while it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be

comprised in one session or in two successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session in which it

is so laid or the session immediately following, the Legislative Assembly agrees in making any

modification in the notification or the Legislative Assembly agrees that the notification should not be made

and notify such decision in the Official Gazette, the notification shall from the date of publication of such

decision have effect only in such modified form or to be of no effect, as the case may be, so however that

any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done

or omitted to be done under that notification.]

(7) It shall be lawful for the Collector, either on his own motion or on the application of a person

affected by the error to direct at any time the correction of any clerical or arithmetical error in the sanad

arising from any accidental slip or omission.

———♦———

The following bill which was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa on 13th

January, 2026 is hereby published for general information in pursuance of Rule-138 of the Rules of

Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

________

The Goa Mundkars (Protection from Eviction) (Amendment) Bill, 2026

(Bill No. 9 of 2026)

BILL

further to amend the Goa Mundkars (Protection from Eviction) Act, 1975 (Act No. 1 of 1976).

BE it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Goa in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as

follows:-

LA/LEGN/2026/3378

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1. Short title and commencement.— (1) This Act may be called the Goa Mundkars (Protection from

Eviction) (Amendment) Act, 2026.

(2) It shall come into force at once.

2. Substitution of Section 9.— For Section 9 of the Goa Mundkars (Protection from Eviction) Act, 1975

(Act No. 1 of 1976), the following section shall be substituted, namely:—

“9. Restriction on transfer of dwelling house by bhatkar.— (1) No bhatkar shall transfer the dwelling

house as defined under clause (i) of Section 2 to any person other than the mundkar:

Provided that the bhatkar may transfer such dwelling house to any person with the consent of the

mundkar by a registered instrument in accordance with law and by making such mundkar a confirming

party in such instrument:

Provided further that the bhatkar may sell, exchange, mortgage, lease or otherwise transfer his

property in which the dwelling house is situated, except the dwelling house, without affecting any right,

protection or privilege of whatsoever nature, conferred upon the mundkar under this Act:

(2) Any transaction of transfer made by bhatkar in contravention of sub-section (1) shall be null and

void.”.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The Bill seeks to substitute Section 9 of the Goa Mundkars (Protection from Eviction) Act, 1975 (Act

No. 1 of 1976) with a view to strengthen the protection afforded to mundkars in respect of their dwelling

houses and to prohibit the transfer of a dwelling house by the bhatkar to any person other than the

mundkar, while permitting such transfer to a third party only with the prior consent of the mundkar and by

a registered instrument in accordance with law, with the mundkar being made a confirming party.

The Bill further seeks to provide that the bhatkar may transfer the property except the dwelling house

without affecting the rights, protection or privileges conferred upon the mundkar under the Act.

The Bill also provides that any transfer made in contravention of the said provisions as null and void.

This Bill seeks to achieve the above objects.

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

No Financial implications are involved in this Bill.

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

No delegated legislation is envisaged in this Bill.

Porvorim, Goa.

13th January, 2026

ATANASIO MONSERRATE

Minister for Revenue

Assembly Hall,

Porvorim, Goa.

13th January, 2026

NAMRATA ULMAN

Secretary to the

Legislative Assembly of Goa.

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ANNEXURE

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Extract Section 9 of the Goa Mundkars (Protection from Eviction) Act, 1975

(Act No. 1 of 1976)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9. Transfer of property by bhatkar.— If the bhatkar sells, exchanges, mortgages, or leases, or in any

manner transfers, his property where the dwelling house is situated, the right of the mundkar in the

dwelling house shall not, in any way, be affected by such transfer.

———♦———

The following bill which was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa on 13th

January, 2026 is hereby published for general information in pursuance of Rule-138 of the Rules of

Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

________

The Goa Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation)

(Amendment) Bill, 2026

(Bill No. 10 of 2026)

BILL

further to amend the Goa Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act,

2007 (Goa Act 11 of 2007).

BE it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Goa in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as

follows:-

1. Short title and commencement.— (1) This Act may be called the Goa Agricultural Produce and

Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) (Amendment) Act, 2026.

(2) It shall come into force at once.

2. Amendment of Section 2.— In Section 2 of the Goa Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing

(Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2007 (Goa Act 11 of 2007) (hereinafter referred to as the “principal Act”)

for clause (b), the following clause shall be substituted, namely:—

“(b) “agriculturist” means a person who ordinarily by his own labour or by the labour of any member

of his family or by the labour of his tenants or servants or hired labour or otherwise, is engaged in the

production or growth of any notified agricultural produce. The agriculturist shall possess valid Krishi

Card issued by Directorate of Agriculture under Code No. 1 (one) or 2 (two) or 4 (four) and shall possess

minimum area of 1000 sq.mtrs. and should have sold his notified agricultural produce of the value not

less than Rs. 15000/- in the preceding financial year or of such amount as may be determined by the

State Marketing Officer from time to time to any dealer registered with the Department of Agriculture or

the Goa Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Board but does not include a trader, trading

agent, broker, processor or commission agent,”.

3. Amendment of Section 14.— In Section 14 of the principal Act,—

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(i) in sub-section (2), for the expression “Registrar of Co-operative Societies”, the expression

“Director of Agriculture/State Marketing Officer or any other person nominated by the Government in

this behalf” shall be substituted;

(ii) in sub-section (3), for the expression “Registrar of Co-operative Societies”, wherever it occurs,

the expression “Director of Agriculture/State Marketing Officer or any other person nominated by the

Government in this behalf” shall be substituted.

4. Amendment of Section 16.— In Section 16 of the principal Act, in sub-section (1), for the expression

“Assistant Registrar”, the expression “Director of Agriculture/State Marketing Officer” shall be substituted.

5. Amendment of Section 26.— In Section 26 of the principal Act, in sub-section (1), for the expression

“a majority of not less than two third of its total number of members” the expression “simple majority of

its total number of members” shall be substituted.

6. Amendment of Section 76.— In Section 76 of the principal Act, in sub-section (2), for the words

“Assistant Registrar of Co-operative Societies”, the words “Assistant Director of Agriculture” shall be

substituted.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The Bill seeks to amend Sections 2 of the Goa Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing

(Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2007 (Goa Act 11 of 2007) (hereinafter referred to as the “said Act”), so

as to redefine the term “agriculturist” as the Department of Agriculture has registered farmer in the State

under various categories as per the land ownership details and thus, proper database of the agriculturist is

available with the Department.

The Bill further seeks to amend Section 14 of the said Act as the subject “Agriculture Marketing” is

now allotted to the Department of Agriculture.

The Bill also seeks to amend Section 26 of the said Act so as to provide that Chairman or Vice-Chairman

shall cease to be Chairman or Vice-Chairman if resolution is passed by simple majority of total number of

members of the Board.

The Bill also seeks to amend Section 76 of the said Act as the subject “Agriculture Marketing” is now

allotted to the Department of Agriculture.

This Bill seeks to achieve the above objects.

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

No Financial implications are involved in this Bill.

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

No delegated legislation is envisaged in this Bill.

Porvorim, Goa.

13 January, 2026.

DR. PRAMOD SAWANT

Hon. Chief Minister/Minister of Agriculture.

Assembly Hall,

Porvorim, Goa.

13 January, 2026.

NAMRATA ULMAN

Secretary to the

Legislative Assembly of Goa.

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ANNEXURE

It is proposed to amend Section 2 (b), 14 (2), 14 (3), 16 (1), 26 (1) and 76(2) of the 'Goa Agricultural

Produce & Livestock Marketing' (Promotion and Facilitation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (Bill No. 10 of

2026)

Existing

Section

2 (b)

“agriculturist” means a person who ordinarily by his own labour or by the labour of any member of his

family or by the labour of his tenants or servants or hired labour or otherwise, is engaged in the

production or growth of any notified agricultural produce, and includes a member of a co-operative

society registered in the State of Goa which is dealing with agricultural produce and a person who has

sold agricultural produce to the co-operative society, of the value not less than Rs. 5000/- in the

preceding financial year or of such amount as may be determined by the State Marketing Officer from

time to time in the preceding financial year; but does not include a trader, trading agent, broker,

processor or commission agent”,

Section

14 (2)

Whenever the list of voters is to be prepared or revised for the purpose of conducting election to the

Marketing Board, the Registrar of Co-operative Societies shall, in writing, inform the Marketing

Board about the same and require the Marketing Board to submit the list of voters of different

constituencies and also require to deposit with him such amount before such date as may be specified

by him for meting expenses of elections.

Section

14 (3)

The Registrar of Co-operative Societies shall, after the declaration of the result of the election, draw

up a statement of the expenditure incurred in conducting the election and shall within a period of three

months from such result forward the same to the Marketing Board for information. The balance

amount remaining unspent, if any, shall be refunded to the Marketing Board along with the dead stock

purchased for the purpose. If the expenditure incurred exceeds the amount of deposit, the Registrar of

Co-operative Societies shall call upon the Marketing Board to pay the excess the amount as specified

by him within one month from the date of receipt of the direction from him and the Marketing Board

shall comply with such direction.

Section

16 (1)

Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (3) of Section 15 or any other provisions of this

Act, where the term of office of two years, five years or the extended term of office, if any, of

members of the Marketing Board has expired, the Government or any Officer not below the rank of

Assistant Registrar authorized by it, shall, by a written order, -

Section

26 (1)

A Chairman or Vice-Chairman shall forthwith cease to be a Chairman or a Vice-Chairman, as the case

may be, if the Marketing Board at a special meeting by a resolution passed by a majority of not less

than two third of its total number of members (excluding the members who have no right to vote), so

decides.

Section

76 (2)

The State Marketing Officer may delegate any of his powers to any Officer of the Government not

below the rank of Assistant Registrar of Co-operative Societies.

———♦———

The following bill which was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa on 14th

January, 2026 is hereby published for general information in pursuance of Rule-138 of the Rules of

Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

________

The Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2026

(Bill No. 11 of 2026)

LA/LEGN/2026/3408

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BILL

further to amend the Goa Municipalities Act, 1968 (Goa Act 7 of 1969).

BE it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Goa in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as

follows:-

1. Short title and commencement.— (1) This Act may be called the Goa Municipalities (Amendment)

Act, 2026.

(2) It shall be deemed to have come into force on the 14th day of November, 2025.

2. Amendment of Section 184.— In the Goa Municipalities Act, 1968 (Act 7 of 1969), (hereinafter

referred to as the “principal Act”), in section 184, in sub-section (8), the following proviso shall be

inserted, namely:—

“Provided that a building which is reflected in the record of rights and the first promulgated survey

plan prepared under the provisions of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968 (9 of 1969) shall be deemed to

have been constructed with due permission of the Chief Officer.”.

3. Repeal and saving.— (1) The Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 (Ordinance No. 3

of 2025) is hereby repealed.

(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken under the principal Act, as

amended by the said Ordinance, shall be deemed to have been done or taken under the principal Act, as

amended by this Act.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The Bill seeks to insert a proviso in sub-section (8) of section 184 of the Goa Municipalities Act, 1968

(Act 7 of 1969) so as to provide that a building which is reflected in the record of rights and the first

promulgated survey plan prepared under the provisions of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968 (9 of 1969)

shall be deemed to have been constructed with due permission of the Chief Officer.

The Bill also seeks to repeal the Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 (Ordinance No. 3

of 2025) promulgated by the Governor of Goa on 14-11-2025.

This Bill seeks to achieve the above objects.

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

No financial implications are involved in this Bill.

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

No delegated legislation is envisaged in this Bill.

Place: Porvorim-Goa.

13th January, 2026

VISHWAJIT P. RANE

Minister for Urban Development

Assembly Hall,

Porvorim, Goa.

13th January, 2026

NAMRATA ULMAN

Secretary to the

Legislative Assembly of Goa.

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ANNEXURE

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Extract of the Goa Municipalities Act, 1968 (Goa Act 7 of 1969)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub-section (8) of Section 184

(8) If any person begins any construction of a building of which notice is required to be given under

sub-section (2)

(i) without the permission of the Chief Officer under sub-section (4) or of the Council under sub-

section (5), save as otherwise provided under sub-section (6); or

(ii) having received permission under clause (a) of sub-section (4), contrary to the plans and

information furnished under sub-sections (2) and (3); or

(iii) having received permission under clause (b) of sub-section (4), contrary to the conditions

imposed under that clause or contrary to the plans and information submitted under sub-sections (2) and

(3) in so far as such plans and information are not modified by such conditions; or

(iv) contrary to the provisions of sub-section (6), when construction is begun under that sub-section,

the Chief Officer may, by a written notice, require such person to stop such construction and to alter or

demolish any construction already made as specified in the notice. If, within fifteen days from the

service of such notice for demolishing any such construction, the work of demolishing it is not

commenced, the Chief Officer may cause such work to be done and the expenses incurred therefor shall

be recoverable from the person concerned in the same manner as an amount due on account of a

property tax.

———♦———

The following bill which was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa on 14th

January, 2026 is hereby published for general information in pursuance of Rule-138 of the Rules of

Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

________

The City of Panaji Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026

(Bill No. 12 of 2026)

BILL

further to amend the City of Panaji Corporation Act, 2002 (Act 1 of 2003).

BE it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Goa in the Seventy-sixth Year of the Republic of India as

follows:-

1. Short title and commencement.— (1) This Act may be called the City of Panaji Corporation

(Amendment) Act, 2026.

(2) It shall be deemed to have come into force on the 14^th day of November, 2025.

2. Amendment of Section 256.— In the City of Panaji Corporation Act, 2002 (Act 1 of 2003),

(hereinafter referred to as the “principal Act”), in Section 256, in sub-section (1), after the existing proviso,

the following proviso shall be inserted, namely:-

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“Provided further that a building which is reflected in the record of rights and the first promulgated

survey plan prepared under the provisions of the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968 (9 of 1969) shall be

deemed to have been erected with due permission of the Commissioner.”.

3. Repeal and Saving.— (1) The City of Panaji Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 (Ordinance

No. 2 of 2025) is hereby repealed.

(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken under the principal Act, as

amended by the said Ordinance, shall be deemed to have been done or taken under the principal Act, as

amended by this Act.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The Bill seeks to insert a proviso in sub-section (1) of Section 256 of the City of Panaji Corporation

Act, 2002 (Act 1 of 2003) so as to provide that a building which is reflected in the record of rights and in

the first promulgated survey plan prepared under the Goa Land Revenue Code, 1968 (9 of 1969), shall be

deemed to have been erected with due permission of the Commissioner.

The Bill also seeks to repeal the City of Panaji Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 (Ordinance

No. 2 of 2025), promulgated by Governor of Goa on 14-11-2025.

This Bill seeks to achieve the above objects.

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

No Financial implications are involved in this Bill.

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

No delegated legislation is envisaged in this Bill.

Porvorim, Goa.

13th January, 2026

VISHWAJIT RANE

Minister for Urban Development

Assembly Hall,

Porvorim, Goa.

13th January, 2026

NAMRATA ULMAN

Secretary to the

Legislative Assembly of Goa.

------------

ANNEXURE

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Extract of the City of Panaji Corporation Act, 2002

(Goa Act 1 of 2003)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

256. Prohibition of erection or re-erection of buildings, without permission.— (1) No person shall—

(i) erect or re-erect any building; or

(ii) commence to erect or re-erect any building; or

(iii) make any material external alteration to any building; or

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(iv) construct or reconstruct any projecting portion of a building which the Commissioner is

empowered by Section 267 to require to be set back or is empowered to give permission to construct or

reconstruct,—

(a) unless the Commissioner has either by an order in writing granted permission or has failed to

intimate within the prescribed period his refusal of permission for the erection or re-erection or the

building or for the construction or re-construction of the projecting part of the building, or

(b) after the expiry of one year from the date of the said permission or such longer period as the

Commissioner may allow or from the end of the prescribed period as the case may be:

Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to any work, addition or alteration which the

Corporation may by bye-law declare to be exempt.

———♦———

The following Bill which was introduced in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goa on 14^th

January, 2026 is hereby published for general information in pursuance of Rule-138 of the Rules of

Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

________

The Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2026

(Bill No. 13 of 2026)

BILL

further to amend the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996 (Goa Act 5 of 1997).

BE it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Goa in the Seventy-sixth Year of Republic of India as

follows:—

1. Short title and commencement.— (1) This Act may be called the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage

(Control) (Amendment) Act, 2026.

(2) It shall come into force at once.

2. Insertion of new Section 5D.— After Section 5C of the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control)

Act, 1996 (Goa Act 5 of 1997) the following section shall be inserted, namely:—

“5D. Establishment, incorporation and constitution of the Authority:—

(1) To ensure reuse, recycle, or proper disposal of the Non-Biodegradable packaging materials an

Authority to administer the deposit the Government shall establish the Authority called “The Goa

Deposit Refund Scheme Authority for the State of Goa. The Authority shall have such powers and

discharge such function as prescribed.

(2) The Authority shall consist of the following members:—

a. Chairman to be nominated by State Government of Goa.

b. Chartered Accountant to be nominated by State Government of Goa.

c. Commissioner of Commercial Taxes.

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d. Commissioner of Excise.

e. Controller of Legal Metrology.

f. Director, Department of Municipal Administration.

g. Director, Directorate of Panchayat.

h. Managing Director, Goa Waste Management Corporation.

i. Member Secretary, Goa State Pollution Control Board.

j. Director, Directorate of Tourism.

k. Project Director, Goa Coastal and Environment Management Society.

l. Additional Project Director, Goa Coastal and Environment Management Society.

m. Any other member co-opted by the Authority

(3) The Authority shall be body corporate and shall have perpetual susception and a common seal

and it may sue or be sued in its corporate name and shall be competent to contract, acquire and hold

property both movable and immovable and to do all other things necessary for the purpose for which

it is established.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996 (Goa Act 5 of 1997) (hereinafter referred to

as the “said Act”) was enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Goa in the Seventy-sixth Years of the

Republic of India. In order to ensure reuse, recycle, or proper disposal of the non-Biodegradable packaging

materials an Authority to administer the deposit the Government shall establish the Authority called “The

Goa Deposit Refund Scheme Authority” for the State of Goa.

This Bill seeks to achieve the above object.

FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM

No financial implications are involved in this Bill.

MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION

Section 5D of the Bill empowers the Government to frame rules to specify the powers and functions of

the Authority including terms and conditions of the service of the members of the Authority, temporary

association of persons and other employees and power to nominate the Chairman of the Authority and the

Chartered Accountant as the member of the Authority.

Porvorim-Goa.

14^th January, 2026.

PRAMOD SAWANT

Minister for Environment

& Climate Change.

Assembly Hall,

Porvorim, Goa.

14^th January, 2026.

NAMRATA A. ULMAN

Secretary to the

Legislative Assembly of Goa.

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ANNEXURE A

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996

(As Amended Till 2023)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

to prevent throwing or depositing non-biodegradable garbage in public drains, roads and place open to

public view in the State of Goa and for matters-connected therewith or incidental thereto.

BE it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Goa in the Forty-seventh Year of the Republic of India as

follows:

1. Short title, extent and commencement.— (1) The Act may be called the Goa Non-Biodegradable

Garbage (Control) Act, 1996.

(2) It extends to the whole of the State of Goa.

(3) It shall come into force on such date as the State Government may, by notification, in the Official

Gazette appoint and different dates may be appointed for different areas.

2. Definitions.— In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,

(a) “bio-degradable garbage” means the garbage or waste materials capable of being destroyed by

the action of living beings;

[(aa) “brand owner” means a person or a company who manufactures and sells any commodity

under a registered brand label;]

[(ab) “commercial establishment” means an establishment used for commercial purposes, such as,

bars, shacks, restaurants, private offices, fitness clubs, retail stores, banks, financial institutions,

supermarkets, auto and boat dealerships, etc. and other such establishments;]¹

[(ac) “consideration” means “consideration” as defined in clause (31) of Section 2 of the

Goa Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (Goa Act 4 of 2017);]

(b) “house gully” means a passage or strip of land constructed, set apart or utilised for the purpose of

serving as or carrying a drain or affording access to the latrine, urinals, cesspool or other receptacle for

filth or other polluted matter, by persons employed in the clearing thereof in the removal of such matter

therefrom;

[(ba) “Importer” means a person who imports biodegradable packaging product or products;]

[(bb) “inert waste” means waste which is neither chemically nor biologically reactive and will not

decompose;]²

Panchayat constituted, or continued, under any law for the time being in force;

(d) “market” includes any place where persons assemble for exposing for sale, meat, fish, fruits,

vegetables, food or any other articles for human use or consumption with or without the consent of the

owner of such place notwithstanding that there may be no common regulation for the concourse of the

buyers and the sellers and whether or not any control is exercised over the business of or the person

frequenting, the market by the Owner of the place or by any other persons;

(e) “non-biodegradable garbage” means the waste garbage or material which is not bio-degradable

garbage and includes polyethylene, nylon, and other plastic goods such as P.V.C. polypropylene and

polystyrene which are not capable of being destroyed by an action of living beings and are more

specifically included in the schedule to this Act;

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(f) “occupier” includes:

(i) any person who for the time being is paying or is liable to pay to the owner the rent or any

portion of the rent of the land or building in respect of which such rent is paid or is payable;

(ii) an owner in occupation of or otherwise using his land or building;

(iii) a rent free tenant of any land or building;

(iv) any person who is liable to pay to the owner damages for the use and occupation of any land

or building; (and)⁵

[(v) any person who is in charge of any place owned by the Central or State Government,

Government Company or Corporation, or any place where exhibitions and other events are

organised;]⁶

(g) “Official Gazette” means the Official Gazette of the Government;

[(ga) “outward supply” means “outward supply” as defined in clause (83) of Section 2 of the

Goa Goods and Service Tax Act, 2017 (Goa Act 4 of 2017); ]⁷

(h) “owner” includes a person who for the time being is receiving or is entitled to receive, the rent of

any land or building, whether or his own account or on account of himself and others or an agent,

trustee, guardian or receiver for any other or who should so receive the rent or be entitled to receive it if

the land or building or part thereof were let to a tenant;

(i) “place” means any land or building or part of a building and includes the garden, ground and

outhouses, if any, pertaining to a building or part of a building;

(j) “place open to public view” includes any private place, building, monument, fence or balcony

visible to a person being in, or passing along, any public place;

(k) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;

[(ka) “Producer” means person engaged in manufacture or import of products made out of non-

biodegradable materials for packaging or wrapping the commodity;

(l) “Public Analyst” means the person appointed or recognised to be the Government Analyst, in

relation to any environmental laboratory established or recognised in the State under the provisions of

the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (Central Act 29 of 1986).

(m) “public place” means any place which is open to use and enjoyment of the public whether it is

actually used or enjoyed by the public or not and includes a road, street, market, house-gully or way,

whether a throughfare or not, and landing place to which public are granted access or have a right to

resort or over which they have a right to pass; and

(n) “State Government” means the Government of Goa;

[(o) “plastic” means material which contains as an essential ingredient a high polymer such as

polyethylene (PE), polycarbonates (PC), high density polyethylene, vinyl, low density polyethylene,

polypropylene, polystyrene (PS Styrofoam/Thermocol) resins, multi-materials like Acrylonitrile

Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyphenylene Oxide, Polycarbonate, Polyvinyl Chloride, Acetal, Acrylic,

Cellulose Acetate, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Nylon, Polybutylene terephthalate and shall also include

Non Woven Polypropylene, Multilayered co extruder Polyterephthalate (PT), Polyamindes,

Polymethylmethacrylate, Plastic microbeads.

(p) “plastic carry bags” means bags made from plastic material or compostable plastic material, with

or without handles used for the purpose of carrying or dispensing commodities but do not include bags

that constitute or form an integral part of the packaging in which goods are sealed prior to use;

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(q) “Styrofoam” is a type of expanded polystyrene used especially for making food containers and

packing materials.]⁸

3. Prohibition to throw garbage in public places, drains and sewage.— (1) No person, by himself or

through another, shall knowingly or otherwise throw or cause to be thrown in drain, ventilation shaft, pipe

and fittings, connected with the private or public drainage works if any non-biodegradable garbage or any

bio-degradable garbage in a non-biodegradable bag or container likely to—

(i) injure the drainage and sewage system.

(ii) interfere with the free flow or affect the treatment and disposal of drain sewage contents; and

(iii) be dangerous or cause a nuisance or be prejudicial to public health.

(2) No person shall, knowingly or otherwise, place or permit to be placed, except in accordance with

such procedure and after complying with such safeguards as may be prescribed, any bio-degradable or non-

biodegradable garbage in any public place or in a place open to public view, unless

(a) the garbage is placed in a garbage receptacle, or

(b) the garbage is deposited in a location designated, by a local authority having jurisdiction on an

area for the disposal of garbage.

[3(A). Prohibition on use of plastic carry bags, etc.—

(1) No person shall manufacture, import, store, transport or sell plastic carry bags or items made up of

plastic/styrofoam such as, cups, straws, lids, cutlery, cello and poly film, metalised film, plastic cellophane

paper and such other items as specified by the Government, by notification in the Official Gazette.

(2) No person including commercial establishment shall use or throw or cause to be thrown plastic

carry bags and items specified in sub-section (1), in a public place.

(3) No person shall burn non-biodegradable garbage in public place;

Provided that provisions of this section shall not apply to export oriented units or units in special

economic zones, notified by the Central Government, manufacturing their products against an order for

exports. Such export oriented units shall not allow their products for sale and usage within the State of

Goa.]⁹

4. Provision for placement of receptacles and places for deposit of non-biodegradable garbage.— It

shall be, the duty of the local authority, or any officer authorised by it to—

(a) place or provide or place in proper and convenient situation public receptacles, depots or places

for temporary deposit or collection of non-biodegradable garbage;

(b) provide separate dustbins for temporary deposit of non-biodegradable garbage other than those

kept and maintained for deposit of bio-degradable garbage;

provided or appointed by it under clause (a) of this section; and

(d) arrange for recycling of the non-biodegradable garbage collected under this Act.

[5. “Duty of Owner, Occupier, Producer, Importer and Brand Owner to collect and deposit Non-

Biodegradable garbage.— The Owner, Occupier, Producer, Importer and Brand Owner shall collect or

cause to be collected from their respective land, buildings or locality, the non-biodegradable garbage and

deposit or cause to be deposited the same in public receptacles or places provided for temporary deposit or

collection of the non-biodegradable garbage or to the agency appointed for the purpose by following the

procedure as specified by the Government by Notification in the Official Gazette.”]

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[5A. Penalty for contravening provision of Section 5.— (1) Whoever contravenes any of the

provisions of Section 5 of this Act shall be punishable with:—

(a) a fine Rs. 200/- for first offence, Rs. 500/- for the second offence, and Rs. 5000/- or with

imprisonment which may extend to one month or with both, for every subsequent offence, when the

offence is in relation to a residential house;

(b) a fine is Rs.2000/- for first offence, Rs.5000/- for the second offence, and Rs.25000/- or with

imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with both, for every subsequent offence,

when the offence is in relation to a commercial establishment;]¹¹

[5B. Penalty for contravening provisions of Section 3A.—

(1) whoever contravenes provisions of sub-section (1) of section 3A shall be punishable with a

fine of Rs. 50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand) for the first offence, Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh) for

the second offence and Rs. 3,00,000/- (Rupees three lakhs), or with imprisonment which may extend

to three months or with both for every subsequent offence.

(2) Whoever contravenes provisions of sub-section (2) of section 3A shall be punishable with,—

(i) a fine of Rs. 2,500/- (Rupees two thousand five hundred) for the first offence, Rs. 3,500/-

(Rupees three thousand five hundred) for the second offence and Rs. 5,000/- (Rupees five

thousand), or with imprisonment which may extend to five days, or with both, for every subsequent

offence, when the offence is in relation to an individual;

(ii) a fine of Rs.10,000/- (Rupees ten thousand) for the first offence, Rs. 20,000/- (Rupees

twenty thousand) for the second offence and Rs. 50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand), or with

imprisonment which may extend to one month or with both, for every subsequent offence, when

offence is in relation to commercial establishment;

(3) Whoever contravenes provisions of sub-section (3) of Section 3A shall be punishable with a

fine of Rs. 5,000/- (Rupees five thousand) in case of simple burning, Rs. 25,000/- (Rupees twenty five

thousand) in case of bulk burning, for the first offence and for subsequent offences Rs. 10,000/-

(Rupees ten thousand) for simple burning and Rs. 50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand) for bulk burning

or with imprisonment which may extend upto a period of five days or with both.]¹²

6. Power of local authority for removal of non-biodegradable garbage.— The local authority may by

notice in writing, require the owner, or occupier or part-owner, or person claiming to be the owner or part-

owner of any land or building which has become a place of unauthorised stacking or deposit of non-

biodegradable garbage and is likely to occasion a nuisance, remove or cause to be removed the said

garbage so stacked or collected; and if, in its opinion such stackings or collection of non-biodegradable

waste is likely to injure the drainage and sewage system or is likely to be dangerous to life and health, it

shall forthwith take such steps. at the cost of such persons as it may think necessary.

7. Studies, research and support programme.— The State Government may

(a) undertake studies to determine the composition of bio-degradable or non-biodegradable garbage;

(b) establish measures to conduct or support research or programs to encourage source reduction, re-

use and recycling of waste;

other solid waste separation schemes, including studies of the type and amount of recyclable materials in

solid wastes;

(d) encourage local authorities in the State to provide readily accessible solid waste collection depots

for residents who are not provided with regular garbage pick-up;

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(e) undertake and encourage, local authorities and other persons to implement policies to recycle

waste materials, to promote energy conservation and to purchase products made from recyclable

materials;

(f) conduct and support research on recycling including information on operating recycling business

and market information on recyclables;

(g) conduct and support research on waste management and recycling, for use in educating the

public, local authorities, institutions and industry; and

(h) impose requirements on manufacturers, distributors and other persons who produce or handle

commodities with respect to the type, size, packaging, labelling and composition of packaging that may

or must be used and with respect to the disposal of packaging including standards for material

degradability and recyclability.

[(i) levy a cess at such rates as may be determined by the Government from time to time, by

notification in the Official Gazette but not exceeding (two percent of consideration received on outward

supply of goods)¹⁴, marketed in non-biodegradable packaging material, including bottles and containers,

as may be mentioned tin such notification, which shall be utilized for implementation of solid waste

management schemes including segregation, collection, safe disposal and re-cycling of non-

biodegradable waste material and also to promote the sale and use of biodegradable packaging material,

bags and containers.]¹³

[(j) specify by notification in the Official Gazette the manner of assessment, levy and collection of

cess under clause (i).]¹⁵

8. Penalties.— (1) (Same as provided in Section 5A of this Act, whoever is guilty of any Act)¹⁶or inten‐

tional omission in contravention of any of the provisions of this Act, or of any rules, notification or order

made, issued or given under this Act, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend

to one month or with fine which may extend to rupees five thousand, or with both.

(2) Whoever having been convicted of an offence under this Act is again convicted of any offence

under this Act shall be punishable with double the penalty provided for the latter offence.

(3) Whoever in any manner aids abets or is accessory to the commission of an offence under this Act

shall on conviction be punished with imprisonment prescribed for the offence.

9. Offences by Companies.— (1) If the person committing any offence punishable under this Act is a

Company, every person who, at the time of the commission of the offence, was in-charge of, and

responsible to the Company for the conduct of the business of the Company, as well as the Company shall

be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly:

Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall render any such person liable to any

punishment provided in this Act, if he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or that

he exercised all due diligence to prevent, the commission of the offence.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where an offence under this Act has been

committed by a Company and it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or

connivance of, or is attributable to any gross negligence on the part of any Director, Manager, Secretary or

other officer of the Company, such Director, Manager, Secretary or other officer shall also be deemed to be

guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

Explanation— For the purposes of this section

(a) “Company” means anybody corporate and includes a firm or other association of individuals; and

(b) “Director” in relation to a firm means a partner in the firm.

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10. Offences to be tried summarily.— All offences under this Act shall be tried in a summary way by a

Judicial Magistrate of the First Class and the provisions of Sections 262 to 265 (both inclusive) of the Code

of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Central Act 2 of 1974) shall, as far as may be, apply to such trials.

11. Compounding of offences.— (1) Any offence punishable under this Act may, before the institution

of the prosecution, be compounded by such officer as may be authorised by the State Government in this

behalf, on payment, for credit to the State Government, of such sums as such officer may specify.

(2) Where any offence has been compounded under sub-section (1); no proceedings shall be taken

against the offenders, in respect of the offence as compounded, and the offender, if in custody, shall be

discharged.

12. Directions by the State Government.— The local authority shall carry out such directions as may be

issued to it, from time to time, by the State Government for the efficient administrations of this Act.

13. Power to amend schedule.— (1) Where it is expedient to do so, the State Government may, in the

public interest and in consultation with the Public Analyst, by notification in the Official Gazette, add to, or

omit from the schedule any item of non-biodegradable waste and thereafter the schedule shall be deemed to

be amended accordingly.

(2) Every notification under sub-section (1) shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before the

State Legislative Assembly.

14. Power to delegate.— The State Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, direct

that any power exercisable by it under this Act (not including the power to make rules under Section 17)

may also be exercised, in such cases as may be specified in the order, by such officer or authority, as may

be specified therein.

15. Protection of action taken in good faith.— No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie

against the State Government or the local authority or any officer or other employees of the State

Government or the local authority or any other person authorised by the State Government, for anything

which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act or the Rules made thereunder.

16. Other laws not affected.— The provisions of this Act are in addition to, and not in derogation of the

provisions of any other law for the time being in force.

17. Power to make rules.— The State Government may, subject to the conditions of previous

publication, make rules for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act.

SCHEDULE

[See section 2(e)]

Non-Biodegradable Garbage

(1)

Polyethylene;

(2)

Polycarbonate:

(3)

Polypropylene;

(4)

Polystyrene;

(5)

Polyzinyl Chloride (PVC);

(6)

ABS;

(7)

Acetal;

(8)

Acrylic;

(9)

Cellulose Acetate;

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(10) Cellulose Acetate Butyrate;

(11) Nylon.

(12) Styrofoam;

(13) Inert Waste;

(14) Glass;

(15) Aluminium.

_________

ANNEXURE B

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996

(As Amended Till 2025)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

further to amend the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996 (Goa Act 5 of 1997).

BE it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Goa in the Seventy-sixth Year of Republic of India as

follows:

1. Short title and commencement.— (1) This Act may be called the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage

(Control) (Amendment) Act, 2025.

(2) It shall come into force at once.

2. Amendment of Section 2.— In Section 2 of the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996

(Goa Act 5 of 1997) (hereinafter referred to as the “principal Act”), after clause (ac), the following clauses

shall be inserted, namely:—

“(ad) “bulk waste generator” means an industry, a hotel, restaurant or an establishment generating

more than 50 kg per day of non-biodegradable garbage;

(ae) “waste collector” means a person who is involved in the collection, segregation, sorting, sale

and purchase of waste materials including recyclable materials and includes waste trader;

(af) “materials recovery facility (MRF)” means a facility where solid waste other than wet waste and

horticulture waste, can be temporarily stored by the local body or any entity authorized by local body to

facilitate segregation and sorting of collected waste including biodegradable plastic as well as

compostable plastic, and transfer of recyclables and non-recyclables to authorized recyclers or waste

processors from various components of waste;

(ag) “disposal” means final and safe disposal of the waste as specified in Schedule through recycler or

by the co-processor;

(ah) “refused derived fuel” (RDF) means fuel derived from combustible waste like plastic, wood, pulp

or inorganic waste, other than chlorinated materials, in the form of pellets or fluff produced by drying,

shredding, dehydrating and compacting of solid waste;”.

3. Substitution of Section 3.— For Section 3 of the principal Act, the following section shall be

substituted, namely:—

“3. Prohibition to throw garbage in public and private places including drains, rivers, nallahs,

waterbodies such as ponds, streams, vents, sewers, wells, lakes, land, quarries, etc.— (1) No person

shall throw or cause to be thrown in drain, river, nallahs, ponds, streams, vents, sewers, lakes, land,

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quarry, private or public drainage or sewage system/work, any non-biodegradable garbage or any bio-

degradable garbage in a non-biodegradable bag or container likely to,—

(i) injure drainage and sewage system, pollute or contaminate water body, interfere with the free

flow of water cause nuisance and create risk to public health;

(ii) affect the treatment and disposal of sewage contents; and

(iii) be prejudicial to public health, contamination of soil, surface water and ground water.

(2) No person shall, knowingly or otherwise, place or permit to be placed, except in accordance with

such procedure and after complying with such safeguards as may be prescribed, any bio-degradable or

non-biodegradable garbage in any public place or in a place open to public view, unless,—

(a) the garbage is placed in a garbage receptacle, or

(b) the garbage is deposited at a location identified, by local authority having jurisdiction over the

area and earmarked for disposal of garbage.”

3. Substitution of Section 5.— For Section 5 of the principal Act, the following section shall be

substituted, namely:—

“5. Duty of Owner, Occupier, Producer, Importer and Brand Owner to collect and deposit Non-

Biodegradable garbage and duty of the Bulk Waste Generator, Waste Collector, Recycler, Co-

processor.— (1) The Owner, Occupier, Producer, Importer and Brand Owner shall collect or cause to be

collected from their respective land, buildings or locality, the non-biodegradable garbage and deposit or

cause to be deposited the same in public receptacles or places provided for temporary deposit or

collection of the non-biodegradable garbage or to the agency appointed for the purpose by following the

procedure as specified by the Government by a Notification in the Official Gazette.

(2) The Bulk Waste Generator, Waste Collector, Recycler, Co-processor, shall register on the online

portal of Goa State Pollution Control Board for carrying out disposal of waste as specified in the

Schedule and shall obtain the authorization of Goa State Pollution Control Board by following the

procedure as specified by the Government by a Notification in the Official Gazette.”.

4. Substitution of Section 5A.— For Section 5A of the principal Act, the following section shall be

substituted, namely:—

“5A. Penalty for contravening provision of Section 5.— (1) Whoever contravenes any of the

provisions of Section 5 of this Act shall be punishable with,—

(a) a fine of Rs. 200/- (Rupees two hundred only) for the first offence, Rs. 500/- (Rupees five

hundred only) for the second offence, and Rs. 5000/- (Rupees five thousand only) for every

subsequent offence, when the offence is in relation to a residential house;

(b) a fine of Rs. 25,000/- (Rupees twenty-five thousand only) for the first offence, Rs. 50,000/-

(Rupees fifty thousand only) for the second offence, and Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh only) for

every subsequent offence, when the offence is in relation to a commercial establishment.”.

5. Substitution of Section 5B.— For Section 5B of the principal Act, the following section shall be

substituted, namely:—

5B. Penalty for contravening provisions of Section 3A.— (1) whoever contravenes provisions of sub-

section (1) of Section 3A shall be punishable with a fine of Rs. 50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand only) for

the first offence, Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh only) for the second offence and Rs. 3,00,000/-

(Rupees three lakhs only) for every subsequent offence.

(2) Whoever contravenes provisions of sub-section (2) of Section 3A shall be punishable with,—

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22ND JANUARY, 2026

(i) a fine of Rs. 2,500/- (Rupees two thousand five hundred only) for the first offence, Rs. 3,500/-

(Rupees three thousand five hundred only) for the second offence and Rs. 5,000/- (Rupees five

thousand only), for every subsequent offence, when the offence is in relation to an individual;

(ii) a fine of Rs. 10,000/- (Rupees ten thousand only) for the first offence, Rs. 20,000/- (Rupees

twenty thousand only) for the second offence and Rs. 50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand only), for every

subsequent offence, when offence is in relation to commercial establishment;

(3) Whoever contravenes provisions of sub-section (3) of Section 3A shall be punishable with a fine

of Rs. 5,000/- (Rupees five thousand only) in case of simple burning, Rs. 25,000/- (Rupees twenty-five

thousand only) in case of bulk burning, for the first offence and for subsequent offences Rs.10,000/-

(Rupees ten thousand only) for simple burning and Rs. 50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand only) for bulk

burning.”

6. Insertion of new Section 5C.— After Section 5B of the principal Act, the following section shall be

inserted, namely:—

“5C. Penalty for contravening provisions of Section 3.— The vehicle utilised for dumping of the

waste shall be impounded by Police Officer of Police Station concerned and the license of the same shall

be suspended for a period of one month for the first offence and shall be punishable with a fine of

Rs. 25,000/- (Rupees twenty five thousand only), three months for the second offence and fine of

Rs. 50,000/- (Rupees fifty thousand only), six months for the third offence and fine of Rs.1,00,000/-

(Rupees one lakh only) and thereafter the license of the vehicle shall be cancelled.”

7. Amendment of Schedule.— In the Schedule to the principal Act, after item at serial No. (15), the

following items shall be inserted, namely:—

“(16) Metal

(17)

Paper

(18)

Multi-layer Plastic

(19)

Rubber

(20)

Glass Wool

(21)

Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP)

(22)

Glass Fiber

(23)

Paper Based Beverage Carton (Tetra pack)

(24)

Leather

(25)

Wood Utilized for Packaging

(26)

Corrugated Boxes and Cardboard, etc

(27)

Jute

(28)

Woven Bags”.

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