the goan I network
PANAJI
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar insisted that it was the Bombay High Court at Goa which has directed that the casino be allowed to berth in the Mandovi and that his government had in fact opposed the decision to bring the vessel during these months.
"We informed the court through an affidavit that the Panaji port is closed during this month because of sea swells and that only after opening of the port we can consider it. Since it is a refugee vessel, court told us to bring it in subject to conditions. We have clearly said no. The court said that since he is bringing in his tugs, he should be allowed to bring it in. The government cannot be blamed," Parrikar told the House when replying to the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address.
"It is not a casino. It is a boat. Although we know that it is going to be a casino, as of now it is only a boat," Parrikar said. He also said that it was the High Court that had asked the government to give the licence within 48 hours.
"I have all the orders. One order says the licence should be given in 48 hours. I had opposed casinos. I have also opposed the 1996 amendment to allow offshore casinos. But once it is done, It is not so easy to change. The sixth licence is issued based on court order, but it is not operational. It is not operational because it has not fulfilled the conditions," Parrikar said. He said that he has now insisted and has written on the file that the boat should be taken back to MPT while accusing the Congress of bringing in yet another boat.
"Comprehensive policy on casino will come to you on Monday. We have not brought the casinos. Continuity of government means that I cannot throw them out. All six permissions were granted by Ravi Naik as Home Minister. I'm saying this on record. You asked people to bring `200 crore boats and are asking me to remove it?" Parrikar said.
Revenue from casinos on upswing, House informed
PANAJI: The Home Department of the state government earned around Rs 162 crore from casinos in 2016-17, which was almost double of Rs 86 crore in 2015-16.
This information was provided by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar while replying to a question tabled by Quepem MLA Chandrakant ‘Babu' Kavlekar.
It is also reported that the department earned approximately Rs 79 crore through casinos in 2014-15. This clearly shows that revenue generation from casinos in the last three years has been on an upswing.
Parrikar's reply further stated that there are five offshore casinos and ten onshore casinos in Goa. Offshore casinos include M V Horseshoe Casino, M V Pride of Goa, M V Casino Royale, M V Boa Sorte and M V Royale Flotel.
Onshore casinos include casinos at properties like Goa Marriott Resort, Vainguinim Valley Resort, The Zuri Varca Goa, White Sands Resort & Casino, Neo Majestic, La Calypso Hotels, The Crown Goa, The O Hotel, Deltin Suites, Grand Hyatt and Resort Riviera de Goa.
Kavlekar had also asked whether the government intends to continue casinos in the state. To this, Parrikar replied, "The permissions are issued as per the provisions of the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976. As such any further decision in this regard will depend on policy decision of the State
government."
