Panaji: In a move aimed at promoting ease of doing business, the Goa government has permitted village panchayats across the state to issue or renew trade licenses for periods of up to 10 years, instead of the current practice of annual renewals.
State chief minister Pramod Sawant on Friday wrote on microblogging site X that this was a “Big Announcement” for entrepreneurs and business owners in Goa.
Sawant said that it is a big boost to transparency, efficiency and business-friendly governance at the grassroots. “This reform will reduce the hassle of yearly renewals and promote ease of doing business, especially for startups and local entrepreneurs,” he said.
The Directorate of Panchayats, in a circular issued with government approval, has revised the trade license format that earlier restricted panchayats to granting trade licenses only till March 31 of the financial year, with subsequent renewals allowed only one year at a time.
“This practice was causing considerable hardship to entrepreneurs who wished to obtain or renew trade licenses for longer durations,” Director of Panchayats Siddhi T. Halarnakar said in the circular dated July 31, 2025.
Under the revised format, panchayats can now issue trade licenses valid for three, five, or even ten years, depending on the applicant’s request.
The circular has been circulated to all village panchayats in Goa and is marked for strict compliance.
