AFTAB SHAIKH
aftab@herald-goa.com
There are more than 500 spas and saloons operational in the state but hardly 95 of these recreational spots are legal. The process to acquire licenses is a lengthy one and this forces many to continue their business illegally. There are hundreds who are still awaiting consent and NOCs from different authorities. The operators of these businesses want the government to make the procesdure hassle-free by starting an online registration process.
The Goa Public Health (Amendment) Rules, 2010, passed by the Goa State Legislative Assembly, has made it mandatory for spa, saloons and massage parlours to register themselves with the directorate of health services. However, to avail permission from the health department, the units first have to produce a number of licenses and certificates from the Goa State Pollution Control Board, municipality or panchayat, labour, trade, shop and establishment certificate, therapist certificate (if spa), and fire licence.
Speaking to Herald, Manager of Neomis Goa, John Paul Lobo suggested that this licensing process should be made online to avoid the tedious procedure. He said, “The licensing process with the Directorate of Health Services is too lengthy. It takes almost a year to acquire a licence. It would be better for us to carry out the procedure online.”
Another leading Spa owner, having its chain in most parts of the state, believes that the government should stop harassment of these operators and provide a hassle free system. “Single window system needs to be introduced. Our industry is also one amongst those which generates revenue for the state,” he said, on the request of anonymity. “While the branded spa, saloon operators go for licensing despite it being a long procedure to make their operations legal, the small units prefer to run it illegally,” the operators said.
Spa and salons are an integral part of the wellness industry – one of the fastest growing sectors globally. In Goa, the spa industry plays a big role in tourism and local economy, generating revenue of INR 20-22 crore for the state. However, the industry is in hot water. There have been a series of police raids related to sex rackets and prostitution.
North Goa Collector Nila Mohanan said, “We have started issuing a sealing order to the illegal premises based on a report from the police.” In the recent past she had issued orders to seal two premises at Calangute and Panaji, which were prostitution dens as per the police raid and subsequent reports. “The respective Mamlatdar is then directed to seal the concerned premises within the stipulated time given with immediate effect,” she added.
The GSPCB, licensing authority for Consent to Operate under Air and Water Act, in 2014 alone, had issued show cause notices to around 170 spas and salons for operating without consent. The board has now made No Objection Certificate (NOCs) from the health department and local bodies compulsory for obtaining consent to operate.
Nearly 170 such units were issued notices, of which 48 have been suspended. The board chairman, Jose Noronha said, “We have suspended or closed down operation of nearly 48 spas, salons and massage parlours.” Around 60 of them have been granted consent.
