Says cricketer has failed to register it with tourism department
MAPUSA
Making its intention clear to go after those who indulge in illegalities in tourism business, the State government on Tuesday issued a notice to cricketer Yuvraj Singh for operating his villa in Morjim, Goa as a homestay but failing to register it with the tourism department as mandated by law.
The Tourism Department has also directed the cricketer to remain present for a personal hearing in the matter before the designated authority on December 8.
The Tourism Department in its notice to the popular Indian cricketer said that his residential premises ‘Casa Singh’ located at Varchawada, Morjim, Pernem, Goa is functioning as a homestay and is being marketed on online platforms like ‘Airbnb’.
“Every person intending to operate a hotel/guest house before operating it, has to apply for registration to the prescribed authority in the prescribed manner. A notice is given to you as to why penal action should not be initiated against you for default in registration under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982,” said Rajesh Kale, Deputy Director of Tourism, in the notice to Yuvraj Singh.
Incidentally, as part of investigation the officials of the tourism department had conducted a surprise inspection of the cricketer’s villa in Morjim on November 11.
Singh has been directed to appear before the Deputy Director of Tourism, who is the Prescribed Authority in the case, on December 8 at 11am for a personal hearing in the matter.
“If no reply is received, it will be assumed that the grounds mentioned in the notice are correct and on such assumption under Section 22 or in violation of any of the provisions of the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act you shall be punishable with a fine which may extend upto Rs 1 lakh,” the notice said.
Earlier this month, the tourism department had issued show-cause notices to around 38 hotels and guesthouses for operating illegally in the State. The department had also publicly named the hotels/guesthouses which were operating in violation of the law.
Tourism Minister, Rohan Khaunte had also said that the tourism department will take tough action against those involved in illegalities.