Team Herald
PANJIM: The State cabinet on Wednesday granted a further six-month extension to offshore casinos to operate from River Mandovi, till September 30, as it is yet to identify an alternative site for their relocation.
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The last six-month extension had lapsed on March 31. The cabinet approved a further extension from April 1 to September 30.
Addressing media persons, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant confirmed that the extension has been granted to offshore casinos to continue operations in River Mandovi.
There are six offshore casinos operating in River Mandovi, they include MV Horseshoe Casino, MV Pride of Goa, MV Casino Royale, MV Argosy IV, MV Royale Flotel and MV Lucky.
The government had taken a policy decision in 2013 to relocate the offshore casinos from River Mandovi. However, the failure to identify an alternative site forced the government to grant them a series of extensions to continue in the river.
Meanwhile, the license issued under the Goa Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act,1976 to MV Horseshoe Casino expired in Aug 2018 and renewal process is under process. While in the case of four other casinos, the licenses are valid till 2023, while one will lapse in 2021.
The cabinet also resolved to give Rs 20 per kg support price for cashew nuts for a base price of Rs 105 per kg. “At a base price of Rs 105 per kg offered by Goa Bagyatdar, the minimum support price would be Rs 20 per kg,” Sawant said.
The cabinet also granted approval for installation and commissioning of 33KV power sub-station at Calangute and Navelim.
It also approved use of thermal scanning guns at government offices, to screen employees and visitors for COVID-19.
