The Goan: Are all jewellers in Goa registered under your association?
Vikram Verlekar: Earlier the biggest market for gold andjewellery was Margao, Mapusa and Curchorem. Now the gold market has grownacross Canacona, Ponda and Vasco. There are separate Goa Jewellers Associationsin Ponda, Mapusa and Canacona but we are all united and come together on allissues.
TG: What are the security arrangements as per establishedprotocol?
VV: Goa Police has issued a few guidelines like the need for security guardsfor every jewellery establishment. CCTV cameras and recording of CCTC footagefor forty five days, laser alarms etc. But a lot of jewellery shops andowners don’t follow these guidelines.
TG: What about the role of police in providing security?
VV: Policing and patrolling has failed big time in theState that is the biggest threat to gold shops.
