PANJIM: The Goa State Shack Policy 2023-26 notified by the State government has now been challenged by some of the shack operators in the Bombay High Court at Goa.
Five shack operators Shital Parab and Kritika Fadte, both from Vasco, Austin D’Costa of Aldona, Kapil Mulgaonkar of Pernem and Sanjay Chari of Candolim have filed a writ petition praying for removal of the experience criteria and to allot shack licences by drawing lots from the eligible applicants without discriminating on the basis of experience in the field of erecting shacks in the previous years.
In the revised Goa State Shack Policy for erection of temporary seasonal shacks for the current tourist season, the Department of Tourism had put experience criteria, wherein only 10 per cent of the total shacks will be allotted to those applicants who are without experience, 10 per cent to those having minimum of one year and maximum four years of experience and 80 per cent of the total shacks to those having five years and above experience.
The petitioners have prayed that the government be directed to immediately withdraw the Clause 9 of the Policy along with its explanation (experience criteria) for granting of permission for erection of temporary shacks as it is violative of Article 14, 19 (1) (G) and 21 of the Constitution of India. They also prayed that the respondents be refrained from shortlisting the applicants/allottees based on experience and to hold the draw of lots by treating all applicants at par irrespective of the number of years of experience. Adv Rohit Bras De Sa is representing the five petitioners.
The Department of Tourism has invited applications for erection of temporary seasonal structures for tourism seasons 2023-26 and the last date to submit applications is October 27. The draw of lots for selection of shack applicants and for selection of location will be held on November 3.
A total 359 shacks including 254 on the beach stretches of North Goa district and 105 on the South Goa district will be allowed even as efforts are on to permit a total of 364 shacks this year.
