CALANGUTE: Calangute village panchayat has passed a resolution to issue licences for the financial year 2016-17 to all shack operators in the jurisdiction of the panchayat if the tourism department/government fails to give NOCs to shack operators by November 4. The decision was taken during the monthly meeting held recently.
Few days back, the shack operators had met the sarpanch and apprised her of the situation and urged her to issue licences so that they can operate shacks and earn their livelihood.
Accordingly, the panchayat passed a resolution and has forwarded a copy to the director of tourism stating that the shack operators of Calangute are in dire straits as the tourism season has begun but they were yet to set up shacks for want of NOCs.
Speaking to this daily, sarpanch of Calangute Anny Fernandes said that as per the Panchayati Raj Act the panchayat is supreme authority in the village and there is a provision for the panchayat to issue licenses in its jurisdiction. Fernandes said that there are 600 families who are directly or indirectly dependent on the shack business.
The sarpanch informed that the village beach area is the property of the captain of ports and the panchayat is the licensing authority. While the tourism department only issues NOCs to the shack operators, the licences are issued by the panchayat, the sarpanch added.
“The tourism season has already begun but there is no sign of the tourism department issuing any NOCs for shack business. So, the shack operators have urged the panchayat to issue them licences; they are from the village and it is our duty to help them,” Fernandes said.
Saluzinho Fernandes, shack owner, said that there are 105 shacks in Calangute and a meeting was held of the shack owners with the panchayat members requesting the latter to help them start their business by issuing licences.
Anthony Fernandes, another shack operator, said that “we have already been deprived of the income. Now, we get only December month for some good business as after that code of conduct will be imposed and the business will be dull.”