Digital Goa, August 4 – House today extensively debated the issue of individuals changing their surnames to traditional Goan ones in order to “claim benefits and erase the distinct Goan identity,” with most MLAs expressing concern over the increasing number of such cases. Replying to the debate, CM Pramod Sawant assured the House that all cases involving surname changes will be thoroughly reviewed, and anyone found misusing the provisions will face punishment. He pointed out that under the existing act, fraudulent changes in surname can attract up to three years of imprisonment. “If the study reveals the need to amend the Act, we will bring in the necessary amendments,” he added. The CM also clarified that in surname change cases, only Form B is altered, not the original birth certificate. All speakers voiced alarm over the growing trend of non-Goans adopting traditional Goan names.
