Goans to get 30% units in all Housing board projects

The Goan Network | DECEMBER 06, 2018, 03:38 AM IST

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>> Goa Housing Board's proposal approved and a copy forwarded to the Chief Minister's Office
>> Allocation of reserved units will be done in consultation with the local panchayat
>> Technicalities of whether it will be done by lots or auction will be decided by the Board
>> Apart from new projects, reservation policy will be made applicable to all ongoing projects
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PANAJI: The Goa government has cleared a proposal of the Goa Housing Board to reserve 30 per-cent of units in every project for locals from the panchayat of its location.
Housing Minister Jayesh Salgaonkar told The Goan that he has approved the proposal of the Housing Board, as its residential projects have a big impact and put pressure on the local infrastructure like power and water distribution apart from the road network without any tangible benefit to the village.
"With reservation of 30 per-cent of the units in the project reserved for locals at least the pressure of housing for its inhabitants will be off-set," Salgaonkar said, adding that the Board will also consider a 'comfortable rate' for these reserved units.
The proposal was passed by the Goa Housing Board some weeks ago and the file was moved to the government for approval.
On Wednesday, Salgaonkar said he approved it and has forwarded a copy to the Chief Minister's Office for information.
The allocation of these reserved units will be done in consultation with the local panchayat, Salgaonkar said, adding that the technicalities of whether it will be done by lots or auction will be decided by the Board.
Housing Board colonies and their residents have for decades faced antagonism from resident communities in villages of their location and treated as invasions of sorts by the latter.
With the new move, however, the government is hoping that the local populations will be more receptive to future projects and also help in the socio-cultural integration of the new occupants with the community in the village.
Apart from new projects, the reservation policy will be made applicable to all ongoing projects including the one at Colvale where nearly 1500-units are under construction.  

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