PANJIM: Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) Mayor Uday Madkaikar on Wednesday informed that three casinos had applied for renewal of trade licenses, which as of now has been kept on hold.
“Three casinos have applied with the CCP for renewal of trade licenses but as of now we have kept it on hold. I stand with my leader Panjim MLA Atanasio Babush Monseratte and we are with same stand that trade licenses should not be renewed.” Said Madkaikar
He said, “We have kept the renewal on hold. If we combine all 3 renewals, our revenue will be 25 lakhs. If we give permission now we will get 25 lakh in CCP account. Our stand is that casinos should be taken out. Babush never said no to casinos but we want it moved out from here.”
He further informed that due to casinos operating, the city witnessed huge parking related issues which irked the citizens.
“The problem was that guests used to park anywhere blocking the roads and that is why people were getting troubled. There was haphazard parking” he added
The further informed that due to the prevailing Covid Pandemic businesses in the city had to suffer thus impacting revenue and that the CCP had received 35 applications for closure/cancellation of trade licenses.
“Goa is tourist spot. If tourism is not there business will shut. 35 applications have come to us for cancellation of trade licenses as businesses were hit due to Covid.” Mayor said
Meanwhile, the Mayor went to say that the financial position of CCP is not good.