Panaji: Goa has taken a significant step towards strengthening trust-based governance through the Goa Jan Vishwas (Laws Amendment) Act, 2026. The State has amended 142 provisions across 11 State Acts, making it one of the country’s most comprehensive State-level legislative reform exercises. The reforms simplify regulatory provisions, reduce the compliance burden and promote Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living, in line with the Government of India’s Jan Vishwas initiative.
According to a national report on the implementation of the Jan Vishwas framework across NDA-ruled States and Union Territories, Goa has emerged among the top-performing States in adopting these reforms. The State’s extensive legislative exercise reflects its commitment to modernising governance, improving regulatory efficiency and creating a transparent, predictable and business-friendly environment that inspires confidence among citizens, entrepreneurs and investors.
The Goa Jan Vishwas (Laws Amendment) Act, 2026 has been enacted to decriminalise and rationalise minor offences under various State laws. The reforms replace criminal prosecution for several technical and procedural violations with rational monetary penalties and administrative adjudication, while ensuring time-bound delivery of notified public services. The Act also provides for periodic revision of fines and penalties to maintain regulatory effectiveness.
The reforms are expected to significantly benefit Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups and businesses by reducing unnecessary litigation, simplifying compliance requirements and encouraging voluntary compliance. At the same time, they strengthen citizen-centric governance by making regulatory processes more efficient, transparent and responsive.
By undertaking one of the country’s most extensive legislative reform exercises, Goa has reaffirmed its commitment to progressive governance and administrative excellence. The reforms reinforce the State’s vision of creating a trust-based regulatory framework that supports economic growth, promotes entrepreneurship and enhances the overall ease of doing business while safeguarding public interest.