PANJIM: The Home Department is preparing to submit clarifications sought by the Law Department that is vetting the casino rules.
“We are complying with the observations raised by the Law Department in finalization of the rules regarding the Gaming Commission and Casino Policy,” Additional Secretary (Home) Sanjiv Gadkar told Herald.
The Law Department had sought clarifications on certain details of the draft rules submitted to it for vetting. The Home Department, confirming that the rules were vetted with minor changes, thereafter examined the matter.
Gadkar stated that the clarifications will also be sent to the Law Department for vetting. “We are in the process of submitting the clarifications. It will be done shortly,” he said.
As per the rules drafted after taking into consideration views of stakeholders, Goans will be barred from entering casinos and all visitors will have to prove their identity before seeking entry. Similarly, a person under the age of 21 will also not be allowed to enter the vessels.
The officer is on record stating that the rules capture everything required including classification of Goans, non-Goans, and the age group.
Then chief minister and present Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had assured the House in 2012 that the government would frame rules and form a Gaming Commission. Herald had earlier reported that the draft rules state that a competent authority, which will include the police, will be appointed to conduct routine search on board the casinos and arrest anyone below 21 and any Goan found gambling.
