PANAJI
Amidst ongoing criticism over the increasing presence of casinos in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday assured the legislative assembly that the government has no plans to grant further approvals for offshore casinos.
“We have no intention to grant more licences for casinos. No more offshore casinos in Goa,” he stated while responding to the Demands on Grants for the Home Department.
The State government has frequently faced criticism for increasing the number of casinos.
In the last week itself, the Opposition benches called on the government to stop blaming Congress for the casino issue, highlighting that while Congress had permitted only one casino, the BJP-led government has expanded its presence in Goa. The Opposition also urged the government to not turn Goa into another Bangkok.
Tax evasion
Regarding tax evasion by casinos, the Chief Minister said that the matter will be verified.
According to recent reports, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence alleged that casinos in Sikkim and Goa have avoided paying taxes amounting to Rs 10,000 crore.
“I will get the information verified through the Home Department and GST Department,” Chief Minister said responding to Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao on the news report.
Cargo ops?
Responding to concerns about the Sagarmala programme’s floating jetties, Sawant yet again refuted speculations of the government’s intention to use it for cargo operations.
“The jetties are exclusively for tourism purposes and not for handling cargo. Do not create fear among the people,” he told the Opposition.
The Chief Minister also clarified that several jetties are being developed under the Centre’s Sagarmala project solely for enhancing internal tourism.
