A women organisation in Goa has joined the locals in protest against the off-shore casinos in the tourist state. “The fallouts of the casinos operating in the state are sexual abuse, bankruptcy and domestic violence,” Sabina Martins, President, Bailancho Saad said.
The organisation representatives met Chief Minister Digamber Kamat two days back and urged him to revoke the licences issued to the controversial off-shore casinos. Goa, which receives thousands of tourists every year, has two licenced off-shore casinos.
While one of them, Caravela, in Mandovi river in Panaji is operational, the controversy has erupted following granting of licence to another casino in South Goa.
Figures reveal that the state government has granted permission to 11 five-star hotels to run casinos at their facilities. In all, the government has received 16 applications for off-shore casinos.
The Leela Group of Hotels has sought licence to run a casino in the 13-metre-long vessel adjacent to their property in South Goa.
The locals, however, have opposed the casino, saying the vessel blocks the movement of their fishing trawlers.
Courtesy:Economic Times
