
Team Herald
PANJIM: Taking strong objection to the notification imposing Rs 50 as entry fee to the Our Lady of Monte Chapel atop the hill, the Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC) has demanded that the Director of Archaeology withdraw the same immediately.
The committee has submitted a memorandum expressing its opposition to the notification Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Rules, 2024, which imposes an entry fee of Rs 50 to the Chapel.
A copy of the letter has been submitted to the Chief Minister, the Archbishop, MLA Rajesh Faldessai, Ela Old Goa Gram Panchayat and others.
The Committee has said that there is a fear that people coming for mass, prayers and weddings will have to pay an entry fee to enter the chapel area.
The SOGAC said that since there are active religious functionalities at the Chapel of Our Lady of Monte as a place of worship, with regular church services held on the 8th of every month, imposing an entry fee is inconsistent with its religious use and may hinder devotees from attending services.
The committee members have said that a gate has been put up at the entry point of the chapel and a fee will be imposed on people for entering a religious place where they come to pray.
“No one has been taken into confidence while imposing the entry fee to the chapel. Are you trying to make money by using God,” asked Freddy Dias, SOGAC member.
The Committee has decided to raise the issue before the gram sabha of the Se Old Goa Panchayat.