the goan I network
MARGAO
Leader of the Opposition Digambar Kamat has urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to immediately put on hold the implementation of the new directions issued by the Excise Department to the local bar and tavern owners to upload their daily purchases and sales on a mobile app.
Saying that the economy is down and the tourism industry is also facing challenges, Kamat said it will seriously affect them and make the common man suffer if the government starts burdening the small-time bar and tavern owners with rigid conditions.
“The bars and taverns in Goa are mostly proprietary with limited manpower to handle the business. Some of the bars are run by families, sometimes managed by the ladies. The owners are not conversant with smartphones and hi-tech mobile applications,” he said, adding the government should first ensure that entire Goa is digitally connected with an uninterrupted mobile network.
Asserting that it was the duty of the government to train people whom they expect to follow certain methods before issuing directives, Kamat said it is surprising to note the timing of issuance of these directives by the Excise Department. “The tourism season has just begun with the major collapse of world travel operator Thomas Cook, which will impact inflow of tourists in Goa,” he added.
Demanding to know how can the government come out with such rigid directives at a time when the entire tourism industry and stakeholders are facing challenges, he further said the shack allotments are yet to happen and there is so much uncertainty of business.
While demanding immediate withdrawal of the excise directives, the Opposition leader warned that protests would be lodged across the state by the bar, tavern owners and other liquor traders if the government does not withdraw the excise directives.
