No subletting of shacks, revoked licences will be renewed: Minister

PANAJI

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte on Monday reiterated that subletting of shacks will not be allowed as the State is inching closer to the onset of tourism season next month. 

At a meeting with shack owners and representatives of shack associations, Khaunte stated that the shack policy strictly prohibits subletting, even as the government decided to reconsider 23 cases where licences were earlier placed under cancellation for violations.

"Shacks are an integral part of Goa’s traditional tourism economy and have significantly contributed to creating self-employment opportunities for Goans. Last year the department received several complaints regarding violations,” he told reporters after the meeting.

The minister disclosed that a review found 23 shacks had been sublet to Goans, and these were identified through payment tracking codes. The cases were initially marked for cancellation.

“However, following representations from shack associations and coastal MLAs, and after due consultations with the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the government then decided to reconsider these cases,” Khaunte stated.

He further said that licences for the 23 shacks will now be renewed upon resolution of the identified issues and completion of fees payment. 

“Strict directions have been issued to ensure compliance with the non-subletting clause going forward,” he added.

In March this year, the Tourism Department revoked the licenses of 23 beach shack operators who were caught subletting. 

The officials launched an inspection drive after reports of illegal subletting surfaced with a total of 110 showcause notices issued. 

Officials found that payments for food and drinks were being processed under names that did not match the original licence holders. In some cases, GST registrations were missing and deckbeds did not have the required license numbers.