Building permit rules simplified

Porvorim: The assembly on Thursday passed the Goa Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, the Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, and the City of Panaji Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Together, the bills aim to simplify the process of repairing or rebuilding homes and buildings at villages and towns, and in the state capital.The opposition attempted to disrupt the proceedings, but speaker Ramesh Tawadkar carried on with the passage of the bills.The three amendments were introduced as part of the Centre’s Guidelines for Business Reforms Action Plan and to improve the ease of doing business in Goa.Earlier, the House also passed the Goa Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, which allows commercial business activities to be carried out on a 24-hour basis.The House also approved the Indian Stamp (Goa Amendment) Bill, 2025, to rationalise the stamp duty that has to be paid while executing a deed for a loan against property.The stamp duty that has to be paid while setting up a charitable trust or a family trust to manage family-owned property has also been reduced.Revenue minister Atanasio Monserrate said govt aims to encourage the registration of trusts created for the benefit of family members.