PANJIM: In a move that has sparked widespread outrage, the Goa government has amended the State Excise Duty Act, 1964, to allow liquor shops to operate within a 100-meter radius of schools and places of worship, doubling the licence fees for such establishments. The decision has drawn fierce criticism from the opposition, educational institutions, and religious leaders, who demanded that the circular be withdrawn immediately.
Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao demanded a rollback of the decision, stressing that the sanctity of these institutions need to be protected. He said, “It appears that the BJP government has lost its mental balance. They first allowed sale of liquor at the sacred Aguada Jail precinct which is worshiped by our freedom fighters and their families. Now, they want liquor shops next to the compound walls of schools and religious places. The BJP government will do anything to make money,” he alleged.
Calling the move ‘ridiculous’, and ‘tantamount to corrupting places of worship as well as temples of learning’, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said, “Withdraw this appalling nonsense immediately, and like I stated earlier, the Govt of #Goa must act like it stands for #Goemkars and not liquor lobbies and mafia.”
Goa Liquor Traders’ Association president Dattaprasad Naik said, “It is not a new notification. The Chief Minister has already been granting licences left, right and centre. Now they have introduced an additional licence fee. We do not welcome it. There are already 3,500 liquor shops in Goa, there is no need to give new licences. The whole idea of giving licences near educational societies and temples itself should be stopped. It will create a nuisance.”
Educationist Pandurang Nadkarni said, “The government should not permit bars close to religious or educational institutions because the distance is maintained keeping in view certain reasons. There should not be temptations among the students to go. Why should problems be created for students, parents and the school management?”
Sanjay Walawalkar, chairman of Vidya Prabodhan Society, Porvorim, said, “We will strongly oppose if the government tries to give licences near our educational institution. We will not allow it to come.”
Peter Borges, former Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) emphasised the potential dangers of exacerbating addiction, binge drinking, and the lack of adequate treatment facilities in the State. Citing the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India, Borges noted that Goa has one of the highest prevalence of alcohol use in the country, with 28% of its population consuming alcohol. The survey also revealed that underage drinking is a significant issue, with alcohol use observed even among children aged 10-17 years.
Subhash Desai, secretary of Dr K B Hedgewar Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, Panjim, said, “It is shocking that one side NEP is being implemented and on the other side, licences are being given for opening bars near educational institutions.”
The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Goa (JIH-Goa) expressed deep concern regarding the relaxed liquor licencing rules. JIH Goa president Asif Hussain said, “The new amendments to the policy undermines the well-being of our youth, both by location and by example, and disrespects the sanctity of religious spaces.”
‘Notification being misinterpreted’
PANJIM: The State Excise Department stated that the notification to this effect is being misinterpreted.
The notification issued on June 21 by Under Secretary (Finance) Pranab Bhat, states that an additional 100 per cent licence fee will be charged for licences issued under the relaxation of Sub-Rule (4) of Rule 90 of the Goa Excise Duty Rules, 1964, as well as for the renewal of such licences.