Panaji: Mormugao will be the first of Goa’s 12 talukas to implement different minimum land values within the same village and between village and municipal areas, following a pilot in Taleigao village.State govt has finalised a proposal to notify different prices for different land parcels in Mormugao, so people do not have to pay higher urban-style rates for areas that do not warrant them. Revenue minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate said the notification will be issued soon.In 2024, govt increased minimum land prices in Mormugao; current minimum rates range from Rs 8,000 to Rs 25,000 per sqm.TOI was the first to report that govt will implement different minimum land values in a single village. Monserrate had said these minimum land values would depend on the character of a place in that village.Previously, a single minimum rate applied to an entire village, even though different parts of the same village had different characteristics. Under the new approach, minimum land rates within a village will vary based on factors such as location and available amenities, enabling valuation of individual plots by proximity to services.The revenue department has replaced the uniform-rate system with a category-based method that divides villages into smaller zones with different rates. It called this approach more practical, rational, and effective. The revised rates will be used to calculate stamp duty and will vary by zone and plot size.Govt said the earlier uniform system caused overvaluation and undervaluation, led to inconsistencies, reduced transparency, increased objections, and resulted in revenue loss because it did not account for differences such as distance from the coast, sea views, proximity to urban centres, road connectivity, civic amenities, and commercial activity.This change partially modifies the Oct 30, 2024 order that notified revised minimum land rates for Tiswadi, Salcete, and Mormugao talukas. Govt plans to extend the same system to other talukas later.
