Recent news highlighting that illegal spas and massage parlours in the Smart City area was being adddressed by the government, with one Minister saying that the issue requires the Municipality to investigate the matter, while another Minister has suggested the issue is being politicized. As many as 28 spas and massage par lours had been permitted in and around Panaji, including seven along the city’s main commercial stretch. Getting a licence for massage parlours but undertaking prostitution activities is illegal and unethical. It is no surprise that in the past some saw in spas or massage parlours an opportunity to provide services beyond massage to their male customers. The issue of illegal massage parlours flourishing along Goa's tourism-oriented coastline has been the subject of controversy for the last several years. Some of the spas and parlours have come up to loot the tourists by charging exorbitant fees. There should be a thorough check on illegal activities in the premises of spas or parlours. The district administration should act tough against those resorting to illegal activities on the pretext of running spa and massage centres.
