Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday told the Legislative Assembly that the casino industry has contributed towards the welfare and growth of the people and the State in the form of revenue generation, employment creation and enhancing the tourism sector.
Parrikar informed the House that there are five offshore casinos and ten land casinos operational in the State. He said the process to grant a casino licence to Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd is under process before the Home Department as per the directions of the High Court.
Responding to a question tabled by Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavalekar, on whether the casino industry has contributed towards the growth and welfare of the State, the Chief Minister said, “Yes, by way of revenue generation to the State exchequer and employment and enhancing the tourism sector in the state”.
While no details on employment generation were provided, Parrikar, who also holds the Home portfolio, said that for the financial year 2016-17 the total revenue collection by Home department was Rs 161.96 crore.
For the year 2014-15, the revenue generation was
Rs 78.62 crore, which saw a rise in 2015-16 to Rs 86.05 crore.
“The activity of casino is regulated in terms of the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976 as amended and rules thereof,” Parrikar said adding that there is no increase in the crime rate in the State due to casinos.
Replying to a question on whether the government intends to continue with casinos in the State, the Chief Minister said that decision in that regard will depend on policy decision of the State government.
To another written question tabled by Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, Parrikar said the drafting of Rules to the Goa, Daman & Diu Public Gambling Act 1976 are under process and same will be notified once finalised.
QUOTE
I cannot throw the investors who had invested huge in Goa and which were brought in by you (Congress) and now asking me to clear this mess. All six permissions were granted by Ravi Naik when he was home minister.
— Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister
