MAPUSA
The water sports operators once again opposed payment of fees to Goa Electronics Ltd (GEL) and the queue system imposed on them and want the government to stop the arrangement introduced by the Tourism Department.
The operators also warned that if there is a law and order problem then they should not be held responsible.
Several operators on Friday met BJP State president Sadanand Tanavade along with Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and expressed strong resentment against the system of making payments to GEL.
“We have bought boats by taking loans to carry out water sports business. It’s our boats. Why should we make payment to GEL? We do not want a third party to run the show. We want to do business on our own. If anything goes out of control, we should not be held responsible,” said one water sports operator while addressing a meeting in the presence of Tanavade and Lobo.
South Goa Boat Owners Association member Roy Barreto said the queue system they had introduced was running perfectly well until the Tourism Department brought in the GEL.
“Now we have to make payment to GEL. It’s our business. We want to run it. The new system looks like a money-making racket,” Barretto said.
A water sports operator from Calangute, Jhonny Silveira, said that GEL was indulging in ‘dadagiri’ and forcing the boat owners to follow their diktats.
“It’s our money and our business. We want to run the business without the involvement of GEL,” Silveira said.
The BJP State president informed the gathering that he would put their grievances before Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and advised the operators that a delegation should also meet the CM and explain to him about their difficulties.
“I can understand that you do not want to follow the new system and want the business to run as before. We will meet the CM and find a way out,” Tanavade said.
