TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Private property shacks and huts owners association has decried their exclusion from the long term three-year licence scheme and insisted that the government come out with a permanent policy for shacks in private property.
In the wake of government unveiled its Beach Shack Policy for 2013-16, the association in a representation to the government has said that private property shacks and huts should not be discriminated against as this segment also contributes to Goa tourism like the beach shacks.
While expressing disappointment for not being given a long term license, even as their demand was for three to five year licences, the association has also expressed resentment over the need for procurement of NOCs and permissions from all government departments including local bodies and the tedious ordeal of annual registrations.
The association however pointed out that if the government is not willing to withdraw this clause then at least it should ensure grant of all NOCs and requisite permissions within a time frame so that businesses can start on time. It recommended that all such permissions and registration be granted by September 15.
The association also appealed that there should be no curtailment in size of shacks in private property and no beach shacks be allowed to be erected in front of shacks in private property.
The representation went a step further to state that shacks in private property should be allowed to operate all year round by charging a one time fee. It has also insisted that shacks in private property be permitted 10 pairs of deck beds.
The private shack operators have also appealed that when shacks, huts and tents in private property are dismantled at the end of the season, they should be allowed to stack the material within the property without being hassled by the authorities and if required a fee could be charged.
The association has also urged the government to exempt it from VAT and other taxes such as luxury and service taxes.
The Traditional Owners Association and the Shack Owners Welfare Society met Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar Friday and expressed reservations about some of the points in the Shack Policy. They have requested the chief minister to make some changes in the policy including the main sticking point which is the categorization of the shack owners.
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo too met the chief minister.
