PANAJI
The Department of Tourism is in the process of finalizing the “Goa Tourism Promotion, Management and Regulation Bill, 2023” with the draft prepared by a Hyderabad-based legal consultant. The draft, once finalized, will be sent to the Law and Finance Department for vetting.
The department had appointed the Centre for Law, Entrepreneurship and Action Research (CLEAR), National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), University of Law, Hyderabad as a Legal Consultant to undertake ‘Legislative Research and Policy assistance for updating and Consolidating legislative framework for Tourism for Goa", as Phase-l assignment.
As per updates shared in a recent meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, it underwent public consultation, with stakeholders and citizens invited to submit suggestions by July 22, 2024.
“… NALSAR as per the scope of the work, submitted to the Department of Tourism the Draft on "The Goa Tourism Promotion, Management and Regulation Bill, 2023” for consideration/approval. The draft Bill was placed in public domain for inviting suggestions/ comments/views of the concerned stakeholders /general public with last date of submission of such suggestions being July 22, 2024,” it said adding,
“The suggestions/comments/ objections received have been examined by NALSAR University of Law and accordingly draft replies/clarifications prepared which would be placed before the Empowered Committee for Regulations/ legislation/Licensing and Standards for deliberation and ï¬nalization.”
Once the draft Bill is finalized, sources said it would be referred to Law and Finance Departments for vetting and concurrence respectively, post which approval of the Council of Ministers will be obtained and subsequently tabled in the Assembly for passing of the Bill. However, it is not clear if the Bill will be presented in the upcoming or next assembly session.
