PANJIM: Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Monday assured that the government will not forcibly shift the offshore casino vessels to locations where they are being opposed by locals.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a function, Parsekar also took a dig at certain activists for creating obstructions in government’s work.
“If there are objections, we will not forcibly push the vessels to those sites. There are many who, instead of giving suggestions/recommendations hold public meetings, deliver speeches and slam the government. Their job is done,” he said in response to a question on suggestions received by the Home department.
Last month the government had invited suggestions from the public, including stakeholders, on the shifting of the vessels to Aguada Bay or Rivers Sal, Chapora and Zuari. The 15-day deadline ended on August 28.
Parsekar reiterated that the government cannot suddenly close down casino operations as it would send wrong signals to investors. His statement was in response to another question on the government’s decision granting seven months extension to casino operations in River Mandovi. “I am at the helm of affairs. I have to check all the aspects, you cannot close it down (referring to casinos) all of a sudden,” he said.
Earlier addressing around 325 teachers at the inaugural function of the Induction Training for Trained English Teachers at People’s High School, Parsekar said the government’s aim to appoint trained English teachers in government primary schools is with the intention to instill confidence and trust of people towards primary education. He said the government would spend an additional Rs 10 crore on this every year.
