Traditional shacks only for Goans: Opposition
Calangute MLA Alleges People in black suits moving in Corridors of Power For Model Shack Policy
Minister Khaunte says there is no Model Shack Policy but says need for regulations amongst shack policy
Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte today said that Goa currently has no “Model Shack Policy” in place while stating that the Tourism Shack Policy 2019 – 22 has been extended for a further one-year period with some modified terms and conditions.
“Goa currently has no “Model Shack Policy” in place while stating that the Tourism Shack Policy 2019 – 22 has been extended for a further one-year period with some modified terms and conditions,” said Khaunte.
He further said that considering the financial losses faced by the Shack Allottees during the Tourist Season 2019- 20 due to the adverse impact of COVID – 19 Pandemic, the Government had granted a 50% reduction/waiver in an annual shack/deck bed fees for the Tourist Season 2020 – 21.
However, he said there is a need for regulations among shack owners.
“I am of the view that shacks must remain with Goans but with those who follow the rules,” he said.
“Government has also extended the time limit for payment of annual shack/deck beds fees initially up to 31/12/2020 and then up to 28/02/2021 for the tourist season 2020 – 21. As well as,” said Khaunte.
“It is important to know that these Beach Shacks came into existence during in the 1970s when tourism in Goa just began to boom,” he added.
MLA Michael Lobo said outsiders need to teach Goans how to build and run shacks.
“Tourism Dept should come out with good policies. Shack is our traditional business, and it should be with Goans only,’ he added.
He alleged that some people with black coats met him, not to oppose Model Shack policy.
He indirectly taunted Minister Khaunte for ideating such policies.
Following this, the Opposition leaders Vijai Sardesai, Yuri Alemao and Viresh Borkar demanded to know who the people in black coats were.
MLA Viresh Borkar moved the calling attention and said that as per existing rules and regulations and an already existing policy, these Shacks have traditionally only been allotted to Persons of Goan Origin who have the experience of running the Shacks by maintaining high standards.
“Hence the Government needs to take all the stakeholders into confidence and ensure that the livelihood of those dependent on traditional shacks is protected and the Model Shack policy is scrapped. The steps the Government intends to take in the matter,” he added.
Borkar also said that these shacks are now one of the few tourism-related businesses still run by Goans and a source of employment for the many unemployed youths of Goa.
The opposition said that model Shack Policy is implemented, their traditional business of running the shack will not remain in their hands.
Sardesai said that outsiders cannot be allowed in traditional businesses.
“Shack and watersports businesses have to remain with Goans,” he said.
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