PANJIM: Notwithstanding charges by the Opposition that BJP is hand-in-glove with the casino lobby, the government has again conceded that the casino industry is a part of the tourism sector in Goa.
Addressing a function to unveil projects under the Centre’s flagship Swadesh Darshan Scheme in the capital on Thursday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that casinos are part of the overall tourism scenario in Goa. He was, however, quick to add that beyond casinos there are also beaches, temples, churches and hinterland tourism, while the government is contemplating certain amendments in the existing tourism laws to promote medical tourism.
Waste Management Minister Michael Lobo, also present at the function, claimed that casinos are an added attraction to Goa Tourism.
“Some people are against casinos, but casinos are an added attraction. It’s a unique experience for a newly-wedded couples or family who come to Goa from different parts of the country. They want to see what a casino is all about. I am not promoting casinos but it is attracting tourists to Goa,” Lobo stated.
Lobo also took the opportunity to slam certain NGOs that have been protesting various government projects, despite being aware that these would benefit Goa and Goans.
“I have seen a lot of people just speaking negative things. I have also seen that even under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, NGOs are fighting against the government to not put basic facilities on the beach. We need to understand who these NGOs are? They are from Goa. They should definitely object to whatever is wrong, but not to projects which are in the interest of the State and its people,” he maintained.
