MARGAO: The recently cleared new Beach Shack Policy 2023-26 has created turbulence amongst the traditional Goan shack owners whose families were the ones that started the shack business in the State and have been running it ever since.
The new clause, which states that only those within the age of 18-60 can apply for a shack licence, has blindsided them given that a majority of the shack owners are above the age of 60.
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When asked how many shack owners are getting affected by the new age clause, Cardozo said a total of 575 applicants will be ineligible to apply, out of which 95 are from South Goa and the remaining 480 are from North Goa.
When pointed out that these numbers are higher than the total number of shacks that get the licence, Cardozo explained that it is a lottery system.
This mean that not everyone who applies gets the shack.
There is another clause that limits them further, making it impossible for these shack owners’ families to apply either.
“They have said one person from one family only. So, what happens if due to this age rule, the children, be it the son or daughter, want to continue? This policy means they too will get cut out and all the experience they have won’t be considered over a technicality,” said Cruz Cardozo, President of Shack Owners Welfare Society.
He further added that the younger generation has already been discouraged by what has happened and are not so much interested in applying as there is no certainty if they will get a shack license in the next policy cycle.
Other veteran shack owners added that this business needs guarantees as they invest heavily and need to recuperate over the years.
This, other shack owners added is another source of worry. They had hoped to meet the Tourism Director on Monday, but couldn’t meet. They will try again next week.
The shack owners had met on Tuesday at Benaulim to look at a demonstration of the portable sewage treatment facility they wish to use this year.
When asked if they or the stakeholders were consulted over the changes, the shack owners said despite being assured to be taken into confidence over any major changes, this did not happen.
“They have done it without discussing with us or informing us that they are going to make these changes. We have been taken for a ride,” Cardozo added.
