HERALD: Do you stand by your comment on the Banjara Community?
AZGAONKAR: It was the media which questioned me, whether I would take action against the Lamanis? And I told them not only the Lamani community, but it can be any community which is into illegal business activities on the beaches of Goa. I seriously did not know that when you call them a Lamani, they get insulted. Even I am from small community. I stand by my comment because it was the media which asked me whether the department will take action against the Lamanis.
HERALD: How much of these illegal activities done by the migrant community are affecting the Goan Identity?
AZGAONKAR: It surely affects the identity of Goa. I am not targeting the Banjara Samaj but all the communities who are into illegal trades and business on the beach areas. If people are involved in legal business, I and my department have no issues. Do business with peace and harmony but not illegal business we should protect the culture and identity Goa.
HERALD: Should migrants be stopped from doing businesses in the state of Goa?
AZGAONKAR: I am not in a position to answer this. Who can do and who cannot do business should be clarified only by the home department. My only concern is that no illegal hawkers or business should take place on the beaches. I have instructed the concerned departments to take action against such people. I want to preserve the identity of Goa and its culture.
HERALD: As a tourism minister what are the proposals to curb illegalities on Goa’s beaches?
AZGAONKAR: I have taken certain steps, we have set up teams on the beaches and areas under the guidance of the Superintendent of Police and the PSI of that particular area. We have directed them to keep a check on illegal activities which take place on the beach such as illegal hawkers or business. If found, they can also seize their stock. Some of them are creating nuisance along the beach stretches. They are illegally vending on the beaches. They roam around in a group and are troubling tourists especially foreigners. I have even warned the department of suspension if they fail to clear illegal business on the beach area. I will not think twice before suspending the concerned department if they fail to do their job.
HERALD: Will this be a part of the tourism master plan which is being prepared?
AZGAONKAR: There is already a rule that illegal business cannot take place on the beaches but it was not being implemented properly. I want Goa to be a safe place so that tourists can have a good time. Again, I am not against the Banjara Samaj, if they have a valid licence they can do their business without any hassle, but I won’t tolerate any illegal business.
