aTEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The State government’s task force has decided to persuade the Centre to demand at least 50 per cent seat reservation at the proposed hotel management and catering institute in Farmagudi, at its meeting Wednesday. The Centre has contributed some Rs 12 crore of the estimated Rs 23.18 crore project, while Goa government will bear the remaining cost.
Seventy five per cent of the seats have to be reserved for candidates belonging from other states.
“We suggested to the committee that the State government will either entirely fund the project to secure 100 per cent seats for Goan candidates or ask the Central government to increase the quota. The committee asked us to approach the Centre instead of returning the funds,” a senior tourism official told Herald, after the task force meeting.
The Centre has already released its share of Rs 12 crore for the ‘special vehicle project.’
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had told media before the task force meeting that he would be taking it up as this was an unfair agreement.
The government initiated the project aiming to boost the hospitality industry and providing jobs and training opportunities for youth in the hospitality sector.
Three other projects – development of greenbelt in Panjim, a walkway, ropeway facility between Panjim and Reis Magos Fort and seaplanes are soon to become a reality after they were cleared by the task force.
The task force has committed to develop the entire Panjim stretch under the development of green belt project. Making walkway, cycle tracks, and improving the Bhagvan Mahavir garden are among a few listed by the department.
“The ropeway project has been approved. It will be a unique ride created by Goa tourism with the best technology… The consultant has been asked to prepare tender documents,” the official disclosed. The project will cost Rs 80 crores, all of which will be borne by the successful bidder.
With the approval of seaplanes project, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is likely to start its trial landing next month, success of which will lead to the launch of commercial operations.
“Once GTDC gets clearances from Director General of Civil Aviation, Indian Navy and Airport Authority of India, the seaplanes may take off during the tourist season this year. MEHAIR will create the necessary infrastructure at the sites and invite the concerned agencies for the audit of the location and facilities,” said the official.
