Team Herald
PANJIM: Amidst the controversy over the anchoring of a fifth offshore casino vessel in River Mandovi, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Saturday remained adamant on keeping casinos afloat but assured the appointment of a Gaming Commissioner within a fortnight.
Parsekar on the sidelines of the Revolution Day function, to a query about the entry of the fifth offshore casino vessel, reiterated that opposition to casinos would distance investors from Goa. In an attempt to clear BJP’s image, he took a pot shot at the former Congress government for bringing casinos to Goa.
“Not a single casino was brought to Goa by the BJP. We have only granted renewals. The Congress was liberal to grant them the licences. We are looking for alternative sites to relocate the vessels,” he said.
The CM has often defended the existence of offshore vessels in the State by pointing the finger at the Opposition.
Meanwhile, the Home Department had recently submitted clarifications sought by the Law Department that is vetting the casino rules, based on which Parsekar made the assurance. “A gaming commissioner will be appointed in 15 days,” he told the media.
In February, the Law Department had sought ‘minor’ clarifications on certain details of the draft rules submitted to it for vetting. The Home Department was put on the job to comply with the observations raised by the Law Department in finalisation of the rules regarding the Gaming Commission and Casino Policy.
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 rules capture everything required, including classification of Goans, non-Goans, and the age group.
The government is again in the midst of a controversy after locals opposed the anchoring of MV Royal Flotel Deltin Caravela in River Mandovi. Following threats of a protest, the Captain of Ports decided to relocate the vessel to Ribandar, opposite Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
