Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte on Monday held a meeting with shack owners and representatives of shack associations to deliberate on issues surrounding the shack policy and reported instances of subletting.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Khaunte underlined that beach shacks are an integral part of Goa’s traditional tourism economy and play a key role in generating self-employment for locals. He reiterated that the shack policy strictly prohibits subletting, but last year the department received several complaints of violations.
Upon review, it was found that 23 shacks had been sublet to Goans, identified through payment tracking codes. These cases were initially placed under cancellation. However, after representations from shack associations and coastal MLAs, and following consultations with Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, the Government has decided to reconsider them.
Khaunte announced that licences for the 23 shacks will now be renewed once the identified issues are resolved and the requisite fees are paid, subject to strict compliance with the non-subletting clause in future.
