PANAJI
The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has launched a scathing attack on the government, accusing it of mentally harassing the local tourism stakeholders in an attempt to pave the way for non-Goans to take over this business.One of the key issues raised by the party is the recent allegations of extortion, which they claim involves everyone, including government officials and those in the ruling dispensation.
“It's an organised racket by the government to mentally harass our Goan traders right from water sports and shack operators, hospitality, taxis, etc. They (government) want to facilitate Delhiites to encroach into the local tourism business and finish off our traders,” GFP leader Vikas Bhagat alleged while addressing a press conference in the party headquarters on Friday.
Furthermore, he questioned the Goa government’s sincerity in protecting the interests of Goans as he recalled attempts to propose projects that only ‘outsiders’ can afford to invest in; one being model beach shacks each of which would have cost Rs 1 crore.
Such moves, Bhagat said, would undermine the local stakeholders and leave them at a disadvantage.
The alleged extortion racket involving tourism officials in the northern coastal belt has also come under severe criticism with GFP demanding an investigation.
“Everyone from top to bottom in the government and the department is involved in the extortion. I am making this allegation because the government has not shown any seriousness to take action despite complaints from shack operators for last two days,” Bhagat lamented. “We need an investigation.”
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, on the other hand, has already directed the Tourism Director to file a formal police complaint into the matter and assured that if need be, a judicial inquiry will be initiated. “Almost 30 percent of the shacks are sublet to Delhiites. The allegations against the department need to be probed,” the minister said.
