For nearly a century Goa is known for its tourism. Tourism no doubt happened to be one of the major revenue source for the government. But along with tourism came many evils, beginning with corruption by politicians and officals, the flourishing of illegal drug trade turning it into a drug mafia, and then land mafia, destruction of environment and finally destruction of the culture and the destruction of the future i.e. the youth of Goa seems to be the evitable result of this free for all greed manifestations.
The pandemic has been in some ways a blessing in disguise for Goa like in many other parts of the country and the world. The revival of the environment its flora and fauna is one of the distinguished benefits of the pandemic.
Now that the tourism in Goa is at its lowest ebb, this is the appropriate time to change the course of Goa’s tourism from its inherent destructive trends to one of preservation and renovation and rejuvenation of the state and its people especially the youth.
The thrust and priorities in tourism has to take a complete U-turn for the sake of Goa’s survival.
The pandemic has thrown open and revealed to the public some very pertinent insufficiencies in Goa’s basic needs and facilities. To mention a few Healthcare systems, facilities and man power is found wanting. Though politicians will be quick to draw comparisons with other States, the idea is to protect and facilitate and even exploit this particular deficiency for the benefit of the State.
The focus should now shift to world class health tourism. The government should actively provide best possible facilities and infrastructural facilities by setting up speciality centres and not give the task entirely to private sector which will slide into unethical practices, corruption and deprivation of States revenue. States should encourage Goans to specialise in modern medicines and techniques until then government should not hesitate to hire experts from elsewhere in India and abroad. Goan youth should be provide opportunities to learn and train themselves in various para medical practices and use of technology and modern gadgets over a period of time.
Government should ensure availability of trained Goans for these new jobs and also train specialised doctors provide them with incentives and stipends and scholarships to undergo training in modern medicine and technologies.
On the other hand government should encourage setting up of traditional medicines especially Ayurveda and set up healing and wellness centres to attract health tourism.
Government should as a policy shun these entertainment based tourisms, which always have an accompanying evils as its essential companion be it drug abuse or sex based evils like prostitution, child abuse etc. These have to be totally avoided. People who are looking for these entertainments and fun they have so many other locations like Thailand, Las Vegas and so many other venues. Goa will never be able to reach those levels of fun frolic and entertainment so there is need to shift gear to healthy and productive tourism which does not harm the people or damage the environment.
A well planned health tourism is the answer. With health tourism there are many ancillary services needed for which Goans should be trained and prepared to take up such employment and enterprises.
Another potential area towards which Goa should target and orient its policy is making Goa an international educational hub with wide variety of quality higher education avenues. These should be created by collaboration with such Universities and educational centres. Cooperation and collaboration and coordination should be the bye word and not privatisation.
Privatisation in India has resulted in crude commercialisation of education, where many corporate leaders have used the opportunity to acquire land and use of state’s resources to set up huge imposing structures with all kinds of publicity stunts but very low in quality. One can realise this camouflaging by the kind of publicity and advertisements these private institutions are indulging in.
They will project their infrastructure but does not reveal the number and kind or experience or qualification of their faculty. Most of them beginning from primary education to even post graduate programs as a matter of fact employ less qualified and less experienced faculty but their fees are very high and at par with international standards. They have some name sake collaborations and conduct some conferences/seminars etc just for publicity hype. There are many such institutions in India. Goa should not fall into this trap by ruthlessly inviting private players into the sphere of education but endure to collaborate with genuine institutions where quality is the focus. Once quality is maintained students from all over the world will flock to such institutions.
Educational tourism will not only bring in the intellectuals and intelligent, well-meaning students, it will provide a boost to Goan students to excel and reach such standards. As a tourism venture there are many ancillary services like hostels, transport, restaurants where Goans can be gainfully employed. The system should facilitate Goans to slowly and steadily man these high level internationally accredited and acknowledged institutions that in future Goans will be known for their intellectual and educational capabilities rather than for entertainment and as drug peddlers or as dance girls.
Again the movement to retain and refurbish Goa’s pristine land and forests should be through environmental tourisms where in addition to the beaches the hinterland should be used for tourism,
Goa should in future such tourists only who cares and respects the environment and culture.
The idea of pleasure seekers who in addition to their violent and unethical habits leave back garbage like broken bottles and abusive drinking. There has to be a code of tourist discipline which should be strictly followed.
This is the season of the time when political parties are meeting, scheming and planning to win the next election, though none of them did any such exercise to save the country from the virus, be it as it maybe, now that the people in general have understood what their political leaders are worth, the common man should now demand these politicians to direct their activities towards preserving the State and its people, failing which they should be asked to vacate the public space, be it public office or the media.
An appeal to the people, please, don’t fall prey to the publicity gimmick of the politicians this time demand evidence of their work towards people’s benefit and State’s welfare and preservation.
(The writer is a professor of law and former Dean, Goa University)
