Controversy-gripped Goan hotel is infamous amongst locals Monday, March 16, 2009, 11:00 Hrs [IST] By Yashodhan Jadhav | Mumbai
Speculation with regards the Goa state government passing an ordinance to amend a 114 year old Land Acquisition Act (1894) has garnered significant negative publicity for the Cidade de Goa hotel and caused unrest amongst Goa's local population. Post the Supreme Court's (in January 2009) order to demolish illegal structures within the city; the state government has stepped up to save the hotelier's interests. Earlier, the Cidade de Goa resort at Vainguinim Beach in Goa was asked to demolish a part of its premises facing the beach, in order to vacate the area for public access. While the Supreme Court demanded that the demolition be carried out by end April 2009, the hotel promoter warned employees about possible job cuts once the hotel is demolished. 600 employee jobs are at stake if the demolition is carried out. The issue has also stirred unrest amongst Goa's local populace, due to the state government's biased approach favouring the hotel. However, none of the hotel authorities have commented about their stand post the ordinance's announcement. Local associations like the Federation of Small and Medium Hotels and Guest Houses of Goa (FOSAM) have also come to the fore to protect the interests of smaller players, mainly non-categorised hospitality units operational in Goa. Although, star category hotels amount to a relatively small portion of Goa's hospitality market, the lack of state government support for smaller enterprises has resulted in socio-political turmoil (in the state) in the wake of the upcoming Lok Sabha 2009 elections. Earlier, it was reported that the state government planned to pass an ordinance that will allow modification of agreements with relation to land transfer from the government to companies. Presently, the ordinance has been forwarded to the S S Sidhu, Governor of Goa as the Legislative Assembly is not in session. http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?aid=3985&sid=1 ~(^^)~ Avelino
