MAPUSA
We have to work within the framework of the law if the tourism industry has to survive and move ahead, said Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, and stressed multiple steps taken to provide safe and clean beaches in the State.
Khaunte also said that the government will do all within its might to see that the Mhadei river is not diverted and sought the cooperation of everyone in doing so.
“All stakeholders in the tourism business will have to work together and within the framework of the law if the tourism industry has to really make progress. The government is adopting several measures including ease of doing business in providing online services even as various facilities are being provided to stakeholders,” Khaunte said.
“A proactive tourism department is issuing fines and asking police to lodge FIRs against offenders to make Goa a responsible tourism State,” he added.
The Tourism Minister was addressing a gathering during the Republic Day function in Mapusa. Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, Mapusa municipal councillors and senior government officials were also present on the occasion.
Continuing, Khaunte said several measures have been taken to provide safe and clean beaches by following an integrated beach management policy with the help of all stakeholders.
On the burning Mhadei river diversion, he said the government will leave no stone unturned to protect the Mhadei river which is Goa’s lifeline.
He said every person has to cooperate and stand behind the Chief Minister in the fight to protect the Mhadei River.
“We need to keep our political differences aside and work hand in hand to fight for Mhadei’s cause. Let those who indulge in politics continue to play politics but we shall not compromise on our policy on the Mhadei river,” Khaunte reiterated.
In the Information Technology (IT) sector, he said the government has introduced a start-up policy where the State was aiming to emerge to be among the top 25 Asian start-up hubs in the world.
“Around 165 start-ups have started in the State with an investment of around Rs 3 crore. We have been working to motivate our youth to take up entrepreneurship,” he said.
The government is also offering 219 services online and efforts are being made to add more 175 services through the Citizen Service Centre,” he added.
Senior officials like Additional collector Pundalik Khorjuvekar, Bardez Deputy Collector-1 Gurudas Dessai and Deputy Collector-2 Yashaswini B, Bardez mamlatdar Dashrath Gawas, DySP Jivba Dalvi, Mapusa PI Paresh Naik etc were present.
