Crackdown on subletting: 19 South Goa shacks get notices

Panaji: Continuing its crackdown on the subletting of shacks, the tourism department identified 19 shacks in South Goa that were sublet by Goans who they were allotted to. The department issued show cause notices to the 19 shack operators asking for reasons why their licences should not be cancelled. This brings the total number of show cause notices for subletting to 99 across the state.
“Surprise inspections were carried out by tourism department officials, wherein various violations were reported, including subletting. Show cause notices have been issued,” said tourism director, Kedar Naik. According to the department, Calangute (41) and Candolim (19) account for the highest instances of shacks being handed over to fly-by-night operators from other states.
The department is verifying if shacks have been sublet by checking the bank accounts linked to point-of-sale devices at the establishments, cross-verifying the names of the shacks with the registration documents submitted to the tourism department, as well as inputs from the Shack Owners Welfare Society (SOWS). The department allotted 263 shacks in North Goa and 98 shacks in South Goa for a period of three years. SOWS president Cruz Cardozo earlier said at least 30-35% of shacks along beaches were sublet, often to non-Goans who use them to indulge in illegal activities.
“Goans have put all the shack operators into trouble because it is our people who are subletting to outsiders. Now, all the shack operators are suffering in this crackdown,” said a shack operator from South Goa.
Naik said the crackdown was initiated to “curtail illegalities and violations by the shack owners. Regular inspections will be carried out by the tourism department, and strict action will be initiated for any violation. Govt intends to promote Goan business and cuisine, and maintain law and order on Goan beaches,” said Naik.
The tourism department has given all shack operators a short window to furnish proof that the shacks have not been sublet and to explain the reason for violating the terms and conditions of the Goa Shack Policy. The tourism director said that each shack operator who was served a show cause notice will be given an opportunity to be heard. “Hearings have been scheduled for the last week of Feb,” said Naik.