The Department of Panchayati Raj, Govt. of Goa on September 17, 2026, issued the Draft Goa Panchayat Raj (Grant of permission/trade license and levying of permission fees/trade license fees) Rules, 2026.
The following has been amended, namely:
• The rules prescribe the procedure for obtaining and renewing permissions and trade licences from Village Panchayats under Sections 68 to 71 of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994. Village Panchayats may grant permissions/licences after necessary inquiry or inspection and shall fix fees through a resolution, subject to the maximum rates prescribed in the Schedule. Before finalising the rates, Panchayats shall invite public objections or suggestions for 15 days.
• Permissions/licences may be obtained for 1, 3, 5 or 10 years with advance payment of the applicable fee. Renewal applications shall be filed at least 30 days before expiry; delayed renewal attracts a 10% annual fee late charge per month, capped at 50%. Exemptions are provided for non-commercial government/local-authority activities and certain traditional artisans, weavers and small agricultural producers. Appeals against misclassification or incorrect commercial floor-area assessment may be filed before the Director of Panchayats within 30 days.
• The Schedule prescribes maximum annual fees for Category A (VP-1) and Category B (VP-2) Panchayats based on the type and size of establishment, covering retail shops, offices, hotels, restaurants, casinos, entertainment establishments, tourism structures, industries, hazardous trades, telecom towers, petrol pumps and other businesses. Operating a trade or business without the required permission/licence, or continuing after expiry, suspension or cancellation, may attract a fine of up to ₹5,000, with an additional fine of up to ₹500 per day for continuing violations.
• Objections or suggestions are invited till October 02, 2026.
[Notification No. - 34/DP/PAN/TRADE LICENSE FEES/2026/8584]
