the goan I network
MAPUSA
Stating that government has overlooked newcomers and the unemployed while announcing its shack policy, the Goan Traditional Shack Owners Association (GTSOA) said it will have no alternative but seek legal remedy if the government does not review the policy.
“The government’s shack policy seems to be reintroducing the category system based on experience which was challenged in 2009 and the High Court had instructed the government that a person having one year and above experience should be treated at par,” GTSOA President Manuel Cardozo said.
He expressed shock at the announcement of the government’s new shack policy without taking the representation of its association into consideration.
The Goa cabinet on Friday approved the tourism department’s shack policy which was favourable towards those who traditionally were in the business for long.
According to the policy, those in the beach-shack business for several years will be given preference for allocation, and licences will be for 10 years, five years and one year depending on seniority of the allottees.
“The new policy seems arbitrary to most of our members and it would be sad as this policy would monopolise the beach to the benefit of a few selected shack owners,” the GTSOA president said.
He said it appeared the government was compelling the shack owners to once again seek relief through the court on the issue.
“The government will be accountable and responsible for loss in delay or inconvenience resulting from this to the stakeholders,” he said.
He said from the policy it appears the government has not considered newcomers, which was the sole base clause for drafting the shack policy for the unemployed youth and urged the government to review the cabinet decision in the interest of the Goan traditional shack owners.
