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Legislators across party lines expressed serious concerns about the tourism department’s proposal to set up model beach shacks on select beaches. The opposition also threatened to launch an agitation if the model beach shacks — each expected to cost INR 1 crore — are leased out to non-Goan operators.
Irked by the criticism, tourism minister Rohan Khaunte said that Goa needs to innovate to attract high-value tourists. “A model beach shack shows the opportunities to the operators. We want to bring standardised shacks,” said Khaunte. “Every state is looking at tourism and Goa needs to get its act together.” He was speaking during the discussion on the demand for grants for the tourism department.
The tourism minister said that the model beach shacks will usher in international practices and amenities. “We are not asking the shack operators for money nor forcing them to change,” he said. “If you want good tourists, you need to improve.”
The policy, Goa’s Minister for tourism Rohan Khaunte said, was aimed at attracting tourists and promoting tourism in the hinterlands. Developing such facilities in Quepem taluka was under the government’s consideration, he said. Apart from Quepem, the outskirts of Mollem, Ponda and Netravali are other areas shortlisted for hinterland tourism.
Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai said, “If you are going to give prime locations on the beaches to outsiders to build shacks worth INR 1 crore, we will physically not allow you. We will start a people’s agitation.” He added, “The beach is meant for the traditional shack operators and now you want to bring in outsiders.” The department, Sardesai said, has not revealed the plans and policy to even the shack operators.
“There is apprehension about the hyped model shack policy,” said the leader of the opposition, Yuri Alemao. “This is not in the interest of Goa and we will definitely come on the streets.”
Alemao backed Sardesai’s threat of a public stir.
Nuvem MLA Alexio Sequeira said it will be very difficult for shack owners to take such expensive shacks on lease.
“There are more than 360 shacks. Those running shacks for a long time should get preference when the shack allotment is done,” said Sequeira. “At least 50% should be allotted to those with long-term experience.”
Former chief minister Digambar Kamat also urged Khaunte to rethink the plans. “Make whatever policy you want but any policy should not deny a Goan his livelihood. Shacks are given to Goans but operated by outsiders,” he said.
Kamat added, “This is dangerous for the future of the younger generation. The government needs to think about this.”
AAP MLA Venzy Viegas said, “I feel that we should not go ahead with the model shacks and talks should be held with the stakeholders.”
Clearly irritated with criticism from his own party colleagues and the opposition, Khaunte shot back, telling the House that progressive measures need to be taken to enhance the tourism sector.
According to a tourism official, the department would put things in order once the water sports policy is finalised. The proposed water sports policy is yet to be approved by the government though it was released for public suggestions and opinions more than six months ago. It was opposed by voluntary organisations, opposition parties, and water sports operators who felt that the policy was not in the interests of Goa.
Khaunte said, “We will have to swallow something bitter today so that our future generation can taste something sweet.” He also disagreed about allotting 50% of beach shack licences to operators who have more than 10 years of experience.
“How is it justice if new people are not allowed to start operating shacks? What is this demand that 50% of the shacks be given to those with 10 years of experience? said Khaunte.
The tourism minister added, “Are new entrepreneurs not supposed to enter this industry? The CM and the government are trying to encourage more people to take up entrepreneurship.”
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