PANAJI
The Tourism Department has finally addressed the controversy surrounding the new Shack Policy with Minister Rohan Khaunte hinting at political interference as the root cause of the issue.
Responding to a media inquiry on Tuesday, Khaunte revealed that shack operators failed to raise their concerns during a series of meetings held with him as well as the director during the policy’s drafting phase. The department has pointed out that problems emerged later due to interference from coastal MLAs.
“The shack operators were on record that the government addressed the issue eight times and they were also granted personal hearings. Every time they allege that they were not taken into confidence but this time, we have engaged them a number of times, taken inputs and offered every support,” Khaunte said.
Despite these efforts, the minister said, issues seemed to arise only after some nudged the shack owners, leading to various controversies, including involvement by coastal MLAs.
The minister hinted that the core of the controversy centers on the subletting of shacks, despite the operators’ claim that only Goans would be involved. “We are very clear. It is a traditional business to be run by Goan shack operators. We need good and quality tourism,” he added.
Khaunte emphasized that the shack policy would reflect the discussions that had taken place, and he urged against turning the matter into a political one.
“The shack policy will be clear to what we have discussed. We have come up with the policy after discussion… Then they become politics… Politics will be handled politically, but if they (shack operators) have issues; we are with the Goan shack brothers. However, it is not to make politics out of it,” the minister said.
Speaking further, Khaunte clarified that shack operators were initially in favour of eliminating the 90:10 shack allotment system; and that sewage issues had been resolved, with the approval of Calangute MLA Michael Lobo.
The minister also cautioned against shack owners viewing the tourism department as an adversary and urged them not to politicise the situation.
