TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Even as the shack allotment process has concluded and shack operators are already busy serving their fare, as many as 15 complaints have been filed against shack allottees during the last couple of weeks possibly due to envy.
What started with one complaint against a Calangute allottee for misrepresenting facts to secure an allotment has now snowballed with many such complaints received from across the State.
According to Tourism department officials, complaints have come against shack allottees claiming that some are pensioners, others are beneficiaries under Dayanand Social Security Scheme and other government schemes. Another complainant has come forward alleging that an allottee holds Portuguese citizenship.
Whether frivolous or genuine, the department has now started the process of verification of the authenticity of the complaints and investigating all such cases.
In the matter pertaining to an allottee allegedly having Portuguese citizenship, a senior tourism department official said, “We have already asked the FRRO to look into this and report back to us.”
That others are getting financial assistance under government schemes is also being established.
“Many of the cases are coming up for hearing next week,” the official said pointing out that show cause notices have already been issued to the parties concerned.
The Tourism department points out that applicants are generally made to submit affidavits at the time of applying for a shack that they have no other income or business, and not getting any other government benefits.
“This is the first time that there are so many complaints coming in against shack allotments which have been made,” the official said stating that many appear to have taken huge risks.
It is presumed that this year the shack policy effective for three years has virtually invited huge interest in this business.
The department has already taken action in one case and if other cases/complaints are found to be true and allottees found guilty, action as prescribed under the law would be initiated.
“It is very difficult to clamp down on this at the application stage,” says the department official explaining that if quick and effective action is taken then it will deter others from indulging in the same. In case any license is cancelled, those on the waiting list will be considered for allotment, we are told.
Meanwhile interest for shacks in private property has not picked up with just around 58 applications received by the Tourism department.
Sources say that many are still reeling under penalties for defaulting last season and are slow to apply, owing to the increase in the fees and security deposit which has been doubled for defaulters.
According to officials more than 80 per cent of shacks in private property had defaulted.
Likewise the pre-requisite for securing an NOC from local bodies before approaching the tourism department for registration has also taken a toll. Many applicants allege that local bodies are delaying in granting NOCs to them.
