Overview

• Opposition MLAs Vijai Sardesai, Altone D’Costa and Viresh Borkar moved a calling attention motion on August 4 to raise alarms over non-Goans adopting traditional surnames for state benefits.
• Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told the Assembly that the 2019 and 2022 amendments to the Goa Change of Name and Surname Act are fully in force.
• The 2022 amendment limits surname changes to those born in Goa with a state-registered birth and at least one parent or grandparent from Goa and transfers approval from registrars to civil judges.
• Section 3A of the amended Act makes unauthorized name changes or public notices a cognizable offence punishable by imprisonment.
• Sawant pledged to pursue further amendments if needed to close remaining loopholes and prevent future misuse of Goan surnames.