The Goa government has constructed/renovated several tourist sites using public money but allows private players to operate, maintain and manage (OMM) them. Examples include Dona Paula jetty (Rs 50 for adults, Rs 25 for children aged 10–18; free for locals with residence proof) and Aguada jail complex (Rs 150 for local adults, Rs 75 for local senior citizens and children aged 8–15, Rs 300 for others and Rs 600 for foreigners). The government is keen on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The Captain of Ports has invited tenders for OMM of its new ship-shaped terminal building, allied jetty facilities and a yacht docking station. Online applications close on October 23 at 3 pm; tenders open on October 26 at 3 pm. Casino operators cannot bid. Is this justifiable? Could they form a consortium under an alias and win the tender? Upcoming OMM projects include the proposed international convention centre at Dona Paula (60 years), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Digital Museum and upgraded Farmagudi fort complex. The latter two, for 15 years, would include boat and war costume galleries, horse-riding trails, landscaped areas and the temple complex. Parking fees would range from Rs 40 for light vehicles to Rs 200 for buses. The government and Goa Tourism Development Corporation own these sites and have spent crores of rupees on them. Instead of handing them to unknown parties who may ride roughshod over locals and visitors, Goan youths could be trained in OMM and given permanent jobs.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
