PANJIM, FEB 5
The Goa assembly witnessed a peculiar situation where in two ministers took different stands on whether the Tourism Director has powers to give certification/classification to any hotel for the purpose of setting up a casino.
Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco reiterated that the powers to decide on the matter lies entirely with the central government. Only five-star hotels can get slot machines, he said while replying to the discussion on the motion of thanks on governor’s address to the assembly.
Referring to the certificate issued by the then director of tourism Elvis Gomes, the tourism minister said ‘the certificate needs to be re-examined’. Mickky who is also the Minister for Pors told the House that he would ask his officers to legally examine the issue and proceed it the matter for action accordingly.
The Home Minister Ravi Naik on the other hand, asserted that the tourism director is very much empowered under the section 13 A of Goa Gambling Act. He also read out the clause and defended Gomes.
Intervening in the discussion, Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar defended Mickky saying the Goa Gambling Act cannot override Goa Tourist Trade Act. Parrikar also tried to make a difference between classification and certification. Stating that Parrikar is trying to interpret wrongly, Naik said the certificate issued by the then director is very much valid.
On the issue of off-shore casinos, Naik said the Cabinet in early 2007, it was decided to approve five. When applications were invited, there were already six responses and later the number went up to 21.
Charging Parrikar of trying to blow the issue out of proportion, the Home Minister said ‘you knew everything then, but you are raising a hue and cry now’.
To this, Parrikar said questions tabled n the past assembly sessions, were postponed for replies.
As per the law, NOC for ships is given by the ministry of Ports while licence for casino – off-shore or onshore, is given by the Home Department
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Referring to the statement made by Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho yesterday, the tourism minister Mickky Pacheco, it is wrong to say that his department has not forwarded schemes to the Centre for financial assistance.
He listed the names of the projects including Paryatan Bhavan, parking lot near Santa Monica jetty, etc, for which he said consultants have been appointed.
He however, said as there are many suggestions for improvement in the tourism sector, the finance minister must think of giving more budgetary allocatio
