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The Goa government has introduced a new directive allowing families living in the same house to obtain separate water and electricity connections without physically dividing the property. Local panchayats will issue bifurcated house numbers (e.g., 'A', 'B'), linked to the original number, solely for utility and fiscal purposes. These do not confer legal ownership rights. The move aims to reduce family disputes over shared utility bills and improve local governance by generating additional revenue through separate taxation. Applications for bifurcation numbers will be processed within 15 days, enabling residents to apply for individual utility connections after obtaining a no-objection certificate. The policy applies across both rural and urban panchayat-governed areas. By streamlining access to separate utilities, the initiative addresses a common issue for many Goan households and reflects the state's ongoing efforts to modernise local governance and enhance quality of life.
The Goa government has introduced a new directive aimed at simplifying the administrative process for families living together in the same house but requiring separate utility connections. Earlier this week, it was announced that local panchayats would now issue distinct house numbers for different families occupying the same property, enabling each to secure independent water and electricity services. Advertisement
Under this policy, residents will not be required to physically partition their homes to qualify for separate connections. Instead, panchayats will assign bifurcated house numbers by adding suffixes such as 'A', 'B', and so forth to the original house number. This approach maintains a clear relationship with the primary property while facilitating separate billing and service management.
The government clarified that these new house numbers are solely intended for fiscal and utility-related purposes and do not grant any legal rights or ownership over the property or its segments. This distinction is vital to prevent misunderstandings regarding property titles.
The Chief Minister highlighted that this move is expected to reduce familial conflicts arising from shared utility bills and property use. Moreover, it will enhance the efficiency of local governance by generating additional revenue for panchayats through separate taxation and billing. The government anticipates that applications for these bifurcation numbers will be processed within 15 days of submission, with residents receiving no-objection certificates needed to apply for individual utility connections after paying applicable fees.
This policy is applicable to both rural and urban areas governed by panchayats, ensuring a uniform administrative framework across Goa. By addressing the needs of cohabiting families through this streamlined process, the government demonstrates a proactive commitment to modernising local governance and improving residents' quality of life.
Previously, families faced significant hurdles in obtaining separate utility connections when living together, often leading to disputes and delays. This initiative marks a progressive step toward resolving such issues efficiently.
By enabling individual access to utilities without demanding physical property division, the state addresses a common challenge faced by many households. This policy is likely to foster greater harmony among cohabiting families by reducing disputes linked to shared bills and property use.
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