PANAJI
The Goa government on Monday doubled the fine for not wearing masks in public places to Rs 200. The fines were earlier Rs 100.
Disclosing this, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said this was needed as people were found without masks at places like beaches, airports, railway stations and bus stands.
"Till now we had been charging Rs 100 (per offense). From today the fine (for not wearing a mask) has been increased to Rs 200. At least in public, people will have to wear masks or they will be compulsorily fined," Sawant said.
It was found that the fine of Rs 100 was not acting as a deterrent as people were easily paying the fine of Rs 100.
Officials from the local authorities and police force have been authorized to penalise persons who are not wearing masks.
With the relaxation in lockdown conditions and the beginning of the tourist season in Goa thousands of domestic tourists are visiting the State especially on weekends.
It has been observed that these tourists are not following the safety norms risking the life of others. The Corporation of City of Panaji on Saturday had fined more than 200 tourists in a single-day drive.
Appealing to people to follow safety norms Sawant said that no one should be seen without masks on beaches, bus stands and at the airport.
The neighbouring state Karnataka has already hiked the fine for not wearing mask. Maharastra has made RTPCR tests compulsory for people from outside State.
