There have been reports that some students have been frequenting gambling parlours in the heart of Panjim city which had been raided and since shut down. The students going to such places are signs of a permissive attitude to gambling and casino culture that is not being curtailed by the authorities.
In fact the government is going the other way by justifying the need for casinos because of the revenues they bring and even the CM has stated that it will be a wrong sign (!) for investors looking at the State. Additionally he has said that the casinos may go to court resulting in protracted litigation. These are indications of the CM not being sure of himself to take a strong decision and rid the casinos from Goa.
With addicted gamblers among Goans the damage to family and the social fabric is well known and has been brought to the notice of the authorities by various NGO’s. Casinos in their wake bring in prostitution, drug syndicates and organised crime which is seen around the world and Goa can be no different.
Today the students go to illegal gambling parlours, with the habit kicking in once they come of age they will graduate to the casinos that are conveniently accessible. Is this what we want to happen to our youth? Instead of teaching them proper and good values do we want them to be pushed towards easy vice?
Srinivas Kamat, Alto Betim
