Abdul Wahab Khan
Panaji
The Directorate of Settlement and Land Records’ (DSLR) NAKSHA pilot project has received responses from only about 10 per cent of the 6,800 property holders notified in Tiswadi. Officials attributed the low response to inadequate title documents and limited public awareness about the project.
The pilot covers the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) limits and adjoining villages, including Bambolim, Curca (Cujira), Calapor, Taleigao, Morambi-O-Grande, Morambi-O-Pequeno, Renovadi and Murda. Of the 6,800 notices were issued to property holders asking them to submit ownership documents by July 27, about 700 residents responded.
“Residents who have not submitted their records can still approach the department before the draft Urban Property Cardsare finalised,” said inspector of Settlement and Land Records Patrick Gonsalves.
He said the draft property cards were expected to be published in the first week of September for claims and objections. “Residents should use the opportunity to have their documents verified free of cost under the sponsored pilot project. Those who approach the department later after obtaining the required documents can have their records updated, but a nominal survey fee will apply,” he said.
According to him, one of the main hurdles was the number of applicants who had submitted only Agreements for Sale or Form I & XIV instead of valid title documents. Several occupants possess only agreements for sale, Form I & XIV or house tax receipts instead of registered sale deeds.
“Since this is a pilot
project for preparation of property records, title documentation is essential,” Gonsalves said. He said many purchasers in the past had not converted Agreements for Sale into registered Sale Deeds because neither banks nor registration authorities insisted on it.
“The proposed Mhaje Flat Scheme is expected to provide a mechanism for preparing formal title documentation in such cases,” he said. Gonsalves also said residents without property cards would not lose their ownership rights.
“Existing ownership records remained valid and that those who obtained the required documents later could approach the department to update their records,” he said, adding that those with incomplete titles could also establish ownership through appropriate legal proceedings.
