the goan I network
MAPUSA
Stressing that music festivals bring footfalls and boost the tourism industry, Tourism Minister Manohar (Babu) Ajgaonkar on Saturday said Goa needed events like electronic dance music (EDM) festivals and the government would welcome any company that applies for the same.
“Goa needs music to attract tourists. We need EDM festivals. No companies have approached us thus far, but if anyone does, we will welcome them,” Ajgaonkar said.
The tourism minister was speaking to the media at the sidelines during the inauguration of toilet blocks and changing room facility in Baga.
He said the fees charged by the home dept to the organizers were steep and that his department has requested the government to reduce the charges.
“I have asked the chief minister to reduce the charges imposed by the home department on the EDM organizers. The charges are a little on higher side and it should be reduced,” he said
The tourism minister also said the government was open to accept proposals from Sunburn and Timeout, provided the organizers first settle all arrears they owe the government.
“If Sunburn and Timeout pays the total amount it owes the govt, then there’s no harm to accept their proposals too. If they pay those dues, we are not going to say no to them. We are ready to give them permission,” he said.
Besides having to pay a licence fee of Rs 1 crore to the government, the organisers have to pay fees to various departments including towards police bandobast.
Ajgaonkar further said the home dept has to take full care so that no drugs are available at such music festivals.
“We do not want tourists who consume drugs and hotels that encourage drug business,” he said.
Precept Ltd had organised Sunburn music festival for almost 10 years until 2016, but shifted it to Pune in 2017 over a dispute of pending bills with Goa government.
Supersonic music festival was also held in the State for a couple of years and then shifted to Pune.
Timeout music festival was held last year in Goa but the organisers failed to honour a cheque issued to the govt.
No need for mid-term elections, says Ajgaonkar
MAPUSA: Debunking the fear of mid-term elections, Tourism Minister Manohar Babu Ajgoankar said the State government was stable and functioning very well under the leadership of Manohar Parrikar.
“There is no need for mid-term polls in Goa. Government is running well and has majority. The CM may be sick but his direction is there. His way of functioning is there. All ministers are working to their full potential,” Ajgaonkar said.
The tourism minister was reacting to Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo’s prediction that mid-term poll was imminent in the State and that people were thirsting for change.
Ajgaonkar said the government has been spending a lot of money on infrastructure development, which could be seen by way of bridges and widening of roads.
He also said that there was no need to change the chief minister at this juncture.
“This government is formed because of Manohar Parrikar. There is no need to change the CM. Opposition is a confused lot and will say anything,” he said.
