PANJIM: Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Shantaram Naik on Friday said that Electronic Dance Music Festivals (EDM’s) are necessary in Goa, but felt that drug menace should be controlled effectively.
“When such festivals are held police machinery should be stringent and should deal with an iron hand. I was told those who come from outside to attend the EDM festivals, indulge in drugs, even after the event,” Naik said, addressing the media.
“Minister Vinod Palyekar has expressed concern for having such festivals in Goa and I share his concern because he is concerned about the cases of drug abuse that takes place during the EDM festival. Goa being a tourist state, we are also concerned with income and so, EDMs are necessary,” he said.
On the topic of playing loud music during late night, the GPCC President also said that Goa should have its own legislation to govern the issue. “We are currently following Madhya Pradesh based legislation. We need to have our own law. An independent legislation is needed for music and noise related issues,” he emphasised.
On appointment of consultants to aid ministers in their office, he said it was a welcome step, “but we warn that it should not act as a back door entry for RSS functionaries.”
