2,147 Crore FAR Revenue Loss: Chodankar Demands Probe; Congress Promises Transparent Regional Plan 2028

2,147 Crore FAR Revenue Loss: Chodankar Demands Probe; Congress Promises Transparent Regional Plan 2028

Panaji: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Girish Chodankar has demanded an immediate, independent and time-bound inquiry into the serious findings of the Accountant General (Audit), Goa, regarding the grant of additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) to commercial establishments without proper levy of fees.

According to the audit observation dated 9 June 2025, the Town & Country Planning Department granted additional FAR of 10,73,559.53 sq. metres to 321 commercial establishments, ranging from 1.54% to as high as 240%, without a prescribed fee mechanism.

The audit calculated a minimum revenue loss of ₹107.36 crore to the State exchequer based on ₹1,000 per sq. metre. It further pointed out that if the ₹20,000 per sq. metre rate applicable to 4- and 5-star hotels were considered, the revenue loss could amount to ₹2,147.12 crore.

“This is a matter of serious public concern. Valuable development rights have been granted to commercial establishments, yet the State appears to have failed to collect the revenue legitimately due to it. The Government must disclose who benefited, how the additional FAR was approved and why the applicable fees were not recovered,” Chodankar said.

He also questioned the removal of the earlier 20 per cent ceiling on relaxation of additional FAR and height, saying that leaving such powers open-ended creates enormous scope for discretion and misuse.

Chodankar said the Congress would pursue the matter before the appropriate authorities and seek accountability for any loss caused to the public exchequer.

Congress to Bring Transparent Regional Plan 2028

Chodankar further said that if Congress is voted to power, it will prepare a transparent and people-centric Regional Plan 2028 through public participation.

“Goa has suffered because of unemployment, flawed government policies and the rising burden of inflation. The people are fed up and will vote the BJP out of power. Congress will ensure that the Regional Plan is prepared transparently and in consultation with the people, rather than being dictated by vested interests,” he said.

He said the Congress Regional Plan would specifically safeguard the interests of Goans, farmers, fishermen and other traditional communities, while ensuring balanced and sustainable development.

“We will not allow Goa’s land and development rights to become instruments for benefiting a select few. The people must have a decisive voice in deciding the future of Goa,” Chodankar said.