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The Bombay High Court at Goa has instructed the state government to probe the alleged misuse of the 20-point program in Socorro, Bardez, a housing scheme meant to support economically weaker sections. The directive was issued in response to a petition filed by a resident who accused the authorities of turning a blind eye to the unauthorized and commercial use of homes constructed under the scheme. The court has now tasked the deputy collector of Bardez with investigating the matter and submitting a report to the North Goa collector within six months.
The Bombay High Court at Goa has directed the state government to conduct a detailed investigation into alleged violations of a housing initiative meant for low-income families in Socorro Village, located in the Bardez taluka of North Goa. The initiative, part of the Centre's 20-point programme, was originally launched to provide housing benefits to economically weaker sections (EWS), but recent revelations have raised concerns over its misuse. Advertisement
This directive from the division bench came earlier this week while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Socorro resident Nilesh Chari. Chari alleged that the state government had failed to take any action against individuals who had constructed unauthorized structures or misused the houses sanctioned under the program.
According to the petition, several beneficiaries constructed homes exceeding the approved limits and even sold or rented these properties for commercial gain-directly contradicting the core objectives of the scheme. The court noted that the program, while noble in its intent, appeared to have been 'blatantly misused' in this instance, particularly in the Socorro Panchayat jurisdiction.
In response, Advocate General Devidas Pangam informed the court that the government was open to regularizing eligible structures if they complied with applicable rules. However, the court pointed out that a blanket inaction by the authorities was not acceptable, particularly when public land and welfare schemes are involved.
The High Court has now ordered the deputy collector of Bardez to initiate a thorough inquiry into the matter. The findings of this investigation are to be submitted to the North Goa collector within a six-month period. Depending on the outcome, further action could be initiated by the state government against violators.
This isn't the first time the 20-point programme has come under scrutiny. Similar concerns have been raised in the past across other regions in India, where beneficiaries of subsidised housing schemes were found to have either sublet or sold their allotted homes, thereby defeating the purpose of the welfare measure. In Goa, the issue is particularly sensitive given the rising property prices and increased demand for real estate in the state, which can incentivise the exploitation of such schemes.
The onus now lies with the local administration to carry out a fair and transparent inquiry, ensuring that those who truly need support aren't sidelined by opportunistic misuse. The case could also set a precedent for how housing schemes for economically weaker sections are monitored and enforced across India.
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